



^ftls' 



...^ 



<iAKitetkMtoikwtf^< w i ^ '<.*i»>i*s<> 




BX g?rS 



(lass_ 

Book JR4-^(e > 




..^ 



J' a^-t^i-t^a^ ^^n^'^y-cf 



^^ 



/..^ 



^?n\ 



<}n*-l/tn^ 



PSAuvl-Sr 0° jA«J'' /M./,mj PAi/' 



LC 



OLD REDSTONE 



li^t0rii:Ql |kEti:[lB0 



WESTERN PEESBYTEEIANISM, 



EARLY MINISTERS, ITS PERILOUS TIMES, 



ITS FIRST RECORDS. 



JOSEPH SMITH, D.D. 



'RememlDer the days of old; consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, 
and he will show thee : thy elders, and they will tell thee."— Deui. xxxii. 7. 



PHILADELPHIA: 

LIPPINCOTT, aRAMBO & CO. 

1854. 



•fi" 



.-A^^t." 



^ 

^IK 



Eutered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1854, by 

LIPPINCOTT, GRAMBO <fc CO., 

in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for 
the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. 



TO THE 
REV. WILLIAM WYLIB, D.D., 

THE 

REV. FRANCIS HERRON, D.D., 

AND THE 

REV. ROBERT JOHNSTON, 

THIS HUMBLE ATTEMPT 

TO ERECT A MONUMENT 

TO 

THE MEMORY OF OUR PIOUS FOREFATHERS, 

IS, 
WITH FILIAL AFFECTION ANB VENERATION, 

INSCRIBED. 

J. 6 
July 30, 1854. 



TO THE READER. 



In the preparation of the work, now submitted to your inspection, we 
have availed ourselves of every source of information, to which we 
could obtain access. The " History of "Western Pennsylvania," (the 
author of which is not given in the title page,) — the "History of Pitts- 
burg" and the " Olden Time," both from the able pen of Neville B. 
Craig, Esq. — " Day's Historical Collections of Pennsylvania" — " Howe's 
Historical Collections of Virginia," and also of "Ohio" — "Foote's 
Ecclesiastical Sketches of North Carolina and of Virginia" — " David- 
son's Ecclesiastical History of Kentucky" — the printed " Records of 
the Synod ofNew York and Philadelphia" — "Alexander's 'Log College'" 
— " Miller's Life of Dr. Rogers"—" Miller's (J. P.) Sketches and Ser- 
mons" — the " "Western Missionary Magazine" — " The American Pio- 
neer," — " Brackenridges's, Eindley's, and Carnahan's ' "Western Insur- 
rection' " — " Colonial Records of Pennsylvania," and " Hazard's Penn- 
sylvania Archives," and numerous other works, have been carefully 
consulted. "We are also greatly indebted to the Rev. Dr. Elliott, William 
Darby, Esq., N. B. Craig, Esq., the Rev. Lemuel F. Leake, the Rev. 
Dr. Jacob Lindley and the Rev. Dr. "William "Wylie, for essential aid in 
a great variety of particulars. We might indeed greatly estend this 
list of kind friends who have rendered us special service. But perhaps 
it is unnecessary to parade the names of all in a matter of this kind. 
"We cannot forbear to mention that "Wilson Shannon, Esq., Ex-Governor 
of Ohio, has given us much assistance in procuring some valuable sources 
of information from "Washington City. To the Rev. Dr. Carnahan, of 
Princeton, and the Rev. Dr. Van Renselaer, of Philadelphia, we are under 
special obligations also. "We have not deemed it necessary to crowd 

(v) 



VI TO THE READER. 

our pages with references to our authorities, knowing that but few 
readers would thank us for that trouble, and that those who are con- 
cerned to be accurately informed in any particular, will have no diffi- 
culty, in most instances, in referring to many of the sources to which 
we have thus in general referred. 

The celebrated Scottish geologist, Hugh Miller, has written a book 
about the " Old Red Sandstone." To the scientific world, it has been a 
rare treat. We cannot spread before you such a repast, if your taste 
inclines you to revel upon "Ichthyosauri," " Glyptolepes," "Diplop- 
teri," " Chondropterygii," and other such euphonious sounds' in the 
science of Palaeontology. But we offer you a book about " Old Red- 
stone" — its Presbytery, its men, and its times. To the mere geologist, 
such a work can have few attractions. But we doubt not that such a 
a Christian geologist as Professor Miller would not disdain to turn from 
" Old Red Sandstone," to " Old Redstone." 

Fire was perhaps the agent in the present condition of the former. 
The fires of many sore trials and sorrows conspired to reform and fit 
for Heaven, the men of the latter. When the final conflagration shall 
have melted down, and consumed forever the former. Old Redstone 
Christians shall shine as the stars in the firmament of Heaven. Let us 
tell you of those times and of the leaders of the sacramental host. Much 
is irretrievably lost that ought to be told. No pains have been spared 
to gather up the fragments that have been left ; and here are some of 
them, gentle reader, at your service. More are at hand, should they 
ever be called for. 

The Biographical Sketches which appear in this volume, were pre- 
pared for publication in the form of " notes" to the " Records of Pres- 
bytery." After the work had been placed in the hands of the Stereo- 
typer, this plan was changed, but by a misunderstanding on the part 
of the Printer, the sketches of the Rev. Messrs. Brice and Hughes were 
left in the form of " notes." Although this circumstance cannot affect 
the value of those sketches, and much less the character of those eminent 
men, we have thought this statement due to all concerned, lest any mis- 
apprehension might arise. 

Elizabeth, July, 1854. 



CONTENTS. 



Page 

Introduction. — Keasons why tlie Reminiscences of Early Western 

Presbyterianism should be collected and preserved . • .Page 11 

CHAPTER I. — An Historical Sketch of the Western Country, 

from its first settlement 21 

Life and Times of the Rev. Joseph Smith, and some notices of Mrs. 

E. Smith 51 

CHAPTER II. — Manners, Customs, Usages, and Domestic Circum- 
stances of the Country, prior to, and during the existence 
of the old Redstone Presbytery 93 

CHAPTER III.— History of the early Efforts to introduce the Gos- 
pel ; including some account of the Rev. Charles Beatty, 
one of the first Missionaries Ill 

CHAPTER IV. — General Facts and Circumstances, respecting the 

Old Presbytery and its members 128 

A Sketch of the Life of the Rev. Thaddeus Dod. . . . .* 139 

CHAPTER V. — Houses of Worship, Sacramental Scenes, Stoves 

in Churches, Baptisms, Catechising, Privations, &c 152 

A Sketch of the Life of the Rev. Dr. John M'Millan 166 

CHAPTER VI.— The Rural State of Presbyterianism in the West 

seventy years ago ; Religious Conversation then prevalent . 216 

(vii) 



VUl 



CONTENTS. 



Page 
A Biographical Sketch of the Rev. Dr. James Power, wdU some 

account of the Burning of Hanna's-town, -which occurred 

in one of his Congregations 225 

CHAPTER VII. — Temperance, and the Whiskey Insurrec- 

' tion 250 

CHAPTER VIII.— The Bright Side of the Picture — the Sources 

of support, comfort and joy which our fathers experienced . 269 

A Biographical Sketch of the Rev. James Finley 279 

CHAPTER IX.— The Views and Practice of our forefathers on 

the subject of Psalmody 290 

A Biographical Sketch of the Rev. John Clark 297 

A Biographical Sketch of the Rev. James Dunlap, D.D 301 

CHAPTER X.— Early Troubles of our Ministers and People about 

State Boundaries 304 

CHAPTER XI.— Other Evangelical Bodies in the West 307 



RECORDS OF THE PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE — from 

1781 to 1793, with copious Notes, &c 311 

Note 1. Redstone — Origin of the Name 311 

" 2. First Meeting of the Presbytery of Redstone, one month 

before the Surrender of Cornwallis, at Yorktown 312 

' 3. Pigeon Creek Congregation, History of 312 

' 4. 1781-2, Years of Trial and Sorrow 314 

* 5. Dunlap's Creek Congregation, History of 315 

' 6. Mr. Dod's Absence from Presbytery: Why ? 316 

' 7. James Edgar, Judge, Sketch of his Life 316 

' 8. Ohio Court-house 318 

' 9. Westminster Directory, about Marriage 318 

' 10. Pennsylvania Law about Marriage 321 

' 11. Congregational Settlements, their Remarkable Origin . . . 322 

' 12. Mount Pleasant Congregation, History of .... /. 323 

' 13. Buffalo Congregation, History of 326 

14. Pittsburg, singular History of 327 

15. Chartiers Congregation, History of 329 



CONTENTS. IX 

Page 

Note 16. Dr. Ewing, the Boundary Line, and the Bibles 331 

" 17. Kehoboth and Roundhill Congregations 332 

" 18. Strange Circumstance about Mr. Finley's Dismission from 

New Castle Presbytery 334 

" 19. Mr. Hughey, Hughy, or Huey, his Slippery Name and 

Character 336 

" 20. Fast-day, Reference to previous Revivals 336 

" 21. The action of Presbytery about the las Administration of 

Baptism 338 

" 22. Mr. Addison : Why not received 339 

" 23. Mr. Addison turned Lawyer, and became a Judge 340 

" 24. John Brice, Sketch of his Life .• 343 

" 25. James Hughes, Sketch of his Life 344 

" 26. Waite Cornwell, Some Account of 348 

" 27. Lebanon Congregation, History of 351 

" 28. 1787, Why a Remarkable Year 351 

" 29. Bethel Congregation, History of 353 

" 30. The New England Emigrants 355 

*' 31. John Coleman, His Singular Case - , . . . . 356 

" 32. James M'Gready, Sketch of the Life of 359 

" 33. The Presbytery requiring Promises of Parents 359 

" 34. John M'Pherrin, Sketch of the Life of 367 

" 35. Samuel Porter, A Brief Memoir of . , 368 

" 36. First Commissioners to the General Assembly 374 

" 37. Pittsburg Congregation, History of 375 

" 38. Laurel Hill Congregation, History of 383 

" 39. Raccoon Congregation, History of, and of the Rev. Joseph 

Patterson .384 

" 40. Short Creek Congregation, History of 411 

" 41. George Hill, Sketch of his Life 414 

" 42. Mr. Hanna, Some Account of, and of Morris County Pres- 
bytery 419 

" 43. William Swan, Sketch of his Life 421 

" 44. Canonsburg PresTjyterial Academy: What became of it. 429 



X CONTENTS. 

Paob 

Note 45, Jacob Jennings, Sketch of the Life of 429 

" 46. Disasters of 1790-1 —Fast-day : Why 428 

" 47. Thomas Marquis, Sketch of the Life of 432 

" 48. Robert Marshall, Sketch of the Life of 439 

" 49. Fairfield Congregation, History of •. 441 

" 50. David Smith, Sketch of the Life of 443 

" 51. Long Run and Sewickly Churches 450 

Appendix 456 



INTRODUCTION. 



The Lord commanded his people, in ancient times, to stand 
in the ways, and see and ask for the old paths, where is the 
good way, and walk therein ; promising them that thus they 
should find rest for their souls. In the right performance of 
this duty, essential aid has often been obtained from well-di- 
rected inquiries into the history of God's methods of provi- 
dence and grace, with his people, in earlier times. The his- 
tory of the trials and conflicts of the church, while engaged 
in the discharge of her great mission — " to display her ban- 
ner, because of the truth" — is fraught with lessons "profit- 
able for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction 
in righteousness." But every portion of the church has not 
equal claims upon all, in regard to the earlier periods of her 
life. Nor can the story of such times be invested with a like 
interest to every portion of the Christian world. New England 
Christians must always read with absorbing interest the nar- 
ratives of the adventures, trials, and sorrows of their pilgrim 
fathers. Methodists must feel a peculiar interest in the life 
and character of their great founder. Western Baptists can- 
not soon forget the thrilling story of their noble pioneer, John 
Corhley. Can Western Presbyterians cease to cherish a 
grateful remembrance of those who were instrumental in lay- 
ing the foundations of our western Zion ? But does the early 
history of Trans- Allegheny Presbyterianism possess any spe- 
cial claims to attention, apart from an affectionate interest in 
the history of our own ancestors? Does this section of our 

11 



12 INTRODUCTION. 

church that was first organized west of the mountains, chal- 
lenge inquiry into its early times, on any other grounds ? 
We think it does. We will suggest two or three reasons ad- 
ditional, why such inquiry may be made, without being sub- 
jected to the charge of vanity or arrogance. 

1. In the first place, extensive portions of the West are 
deeply indebted, so far as Presbyterianism is concerned, to 
that part of our church which was once included in the bounds 
of the Presbytery of Redstone. It will be borne in mind that 
these bounds included not only all Western Pennsylvania, but 
a considerable section of Western Virginia. Now, from this 
region, vast numbers of Presbyterians, from almost the begin- 
ning of this century, began to emigrate into the North-western 
Territory, and to disperse themselves widely over Ohio, Indiana 
and Illinois. There, in numberless places, they formed the 
materials out of which the first Presbyterian churches, now 
spread over the bounds of at least four of om- largest western 
synods, were form^i. It is remarkable what great numbers 
thus removed Mfe almost all the first churches in the bounds 
of the Redstone Presbytery. This was, perhaps, in part, owing 
to the very imperfect Scotch-Irish system of farming which 
generally prevailed ; answering well enough, so long as a 
virgin soil would yield its plentiful returns of crops. But it 
was a system that soon exhausted the lands. And our ances- 
tors did not understand, or had not the patience to adopt, the 
methods of the "Pennsylvania Dutch," as they were called, 
for recuperating exhausted lands. At any rate, the prospect 
of cheap fresh lands, and of larger farms across the "big 
river," as they called the Ohio, presented too inviting a Im'e 
to be resisted. But, though they went to the West too often, 
perhaps, from mere selfish motives, God had his own pmrposes 
to accomplish by them. If they did not carry the gospel 
with them, and sometimes settled where, for a season, they 
seldom heard it, they soon contributed largely to invite minis- 
ters and build churches all over the West. The influence 
which Presbyterians from the old Redstone Presbytery thus 



INTRODUCTIOlSr. 13 

exerted, is incalculable. Does not this view of the case 
justify an inquiry into " the old paths" of our fathers ? 

2. But, in connexion with this point, let us widen the 
range of our vision upon the past and future. There was a 
race of Protestants that originated in the north of Ireland, 
whose history, in their successive generations, is as remark- 
able as any that the world contains. Dr. Foote, in his valu- 
able works on North Carolina and Virginia, has shown how, 
in the wonderful providence of God, this race entered and 
spread through those States ; some of them, immediately from 
the land of their fathers — some of them, after a brief sojourn 
in the Middle States : how they formed the largest portion 
of the materials out of which were formed the Southern Pres- 
byterian Church : how, commingling with some contributions 
from the land of the Huguenots, with some from the High- 
lands and Lowlands of Scotland, and with a few from Eng- 
land, they unitedly laid the foundations of our Southern Zion. 
And he has, in view of the sublimity of their glorious mis- 
sion, in both works, but especially in the latter, led us back 
to the earlier history of the Irish Presbyterian Church, and 
shown us the remote influences that were employed in pre- 
paring such a face, and propelling them forward in their 
course and entrance upon the new world. Dr. Davidson, 
not overlooking their remarkable origin, but briefly tracing 
the strange fortunes of the province of Ulster, in Ireland, 
has given us an account of a portion of this race, and of the 
results of their labors in Kentucky, and of the rise and pro- 
gress of Presbyterianism in the mighty Yalley of the Missis- 
sippi. And he has very properly begun with an account of 
the Presbyterian Church in Virginia, especially in the valley 
of Virginia, the principal hive of Presbyterian emigration 
to Kentucky. Neither of these works is complete without 
some account of the rise and progress of the Presbyterian 
OhurcJi, west of the Allegheny mbuntains, in Western Penn- 
sylvania and Western Virginia — that noble, prolific mother 
of churches throughout the Western States. 



14 INTRODUCTION. 

There is something singular in the course of events^ in 
regard to this race, -whence our Church has mainly derived 
its materials and its strength. Dr. Foote has noticed how 
many of our first Presbyterian settlers that eventually reached 
Virginia and the Carolinas, had tarried for a while in Eastern 
Pennsylvania and Maryland. It was so, too, in regard to 
those who found their way toward the West. While many 
of our forefathers had come immediately from Scotland and 
Ireland, a large proportion were of those who had sojourned, 
for a season, east of the mountains, or of their children. The 
truth is, the stream divided. Part went south, and part west. 
Even families divided. Some of the Edgars^ G-ilJcesons, 
McMillans, &c., went south — some, to the West. And these 
streams united again in Kentucky, and elsewhere in the great 
Valley, and are still uniting. But why was this sojourn in 
the Middle States ? We may say, indeed, that their western 
and southern homes were not yet open for them. But was 
there not another reason in the divine purpose, though em- 
ploying secondary causes as the immediate instruments of its 
will ? A sublime mission for them and their children was 
intended, though altogether concealed from their view. They 
were not yet prepared for that mission. They must receive 
that preparation through the great revivals under Whitefield, 
the Tenants, the Blairs, and a host of others, whom God 
raised up in the earlier part of the last century, to be instru- 
ments in his hands of spreading a new life through the 
Church. From 1740 to 1760, there was a mighty baptism 
of the Church of God in this land; and then were prepared 
the noble spirits that afterwards were called to so glorious a 
work in Virginia, North Carolina, and Western Pennsylvania. 
And these again trained and marshalled those who, in after 
years, were to spread the gospel through all the West. If 
Virginia sent her Rices, and her Blythes, and her Carys, to 
Kentucky ; Western Pennsylvania trained and sent forth her 
M'Greadys and her Marshals. And if Ohio received from 
Kentucky and Virginia her Hoges and her Wilsons, she got 



INTRODUCTION. 15 

from Pennsylvania her Reas, her Hughes's, her Welches, and 
her Andersons. Now, in looking back from our present 
stand-point upon these great general features of our Zion's 
history, can we fail to see the wonder-working hand of God, 
amidst a thousand other immediate, blessed results, working 
for the eventual evangelization of this vast Valley of the Mis- 
sissippi, where every decennial period counts its increase of 
population, not by thousands, but by millions ! 

We doubt whether our early fathers, M'Millan, Smith, 
Power, Dod, and others, had the least conception of the 
grandeur of their mission, in its bearings upon the future 
church militant. Dear servants of God ! they thought, per- 
haps, mainly, of saving souls around them, and of peopling 
heaven with those who would be their future "crowns of 
rejoicing." Little did they dream, at least in the earlier part 
of their toils, of the vast tide of human beings that were soon 
to fill the West, and that these were to receive the gospel 
mainly through instruments and agencies which they first 
prepared and directed. It is from views of the above cha- 
racter that we are led to think that we do not overrate the 
interest which belongs to our early history. * 

3. A very few years have passed since the whole Presby- 
terian Church was convulsed, from its centre to its circumfe- 
rence, with a mighty conflict, involving great constitutional 
principles and doctrines of vital importance. There was a 
time, never to be forgotten, when men's hearts almost failed 
them in view of the alarming invasion from without and the 
extensive defection from within. 

But the vessel of the Church, though tempest-tossed and 
often dashed against the breakers, weathered the storm, 
and was safely guided into a peaceful haven. The vessel was 
lightened ; a part of her crew was dismissed, and many, sym- 
pathizing with them, voluntarily forsook her. They all ral- 
lied in a new vessel, which they call the " American Pres- 
byterian Church ;" * and perhaps they would have likewise 

* Many of them, it is said, labor under a pleasing illusion that it is 
the same old vessel in which their fathers sailed. 



16 INTRODUCTION. 

assumed the name of "Bible Christians," had not that ex- 
pression been already monopolized. 

Now, what portion of the Church proved most faithful in 
those trying times ? Comparisons here, perhaps, are invidious. 
We would not disparage the claims which other portions of 
our Zion may have to the character of firmness and integrity 
in that hour of her agony ; but we verily believe that if any are 
entitled to the precedence in this case, it is that portion of 
the Church within the limits of the original Presbytery of the 
West. Do not the scenes of 1835-6-7 throw an interest 
around the early history of this part of the Church ? Per- 
haps we are more indebted, under God, to the early impulse 
given to the cause of sound Presbyterianism by the ministe- 
rial Pioneers of Western Pennsylvania and Virginia, than we 
have ever duly appreciated. The only man of all the " first 
set," as he called them, of our ministers who lived on till our 
stormy times began, and who was called home just before 
they reached their height, was Dr. M'Millan ; and we hnow 
that till his last breath he gave his noble testimony to the 
cause of Old School Presbyterianism and its distinctive the- 
•ology. A sermon of Dr. M'Millan, published in the " Western 
Presbyterian Preacher," abundantly attests this statement. 
Now, we have ever regarded him as truly representing the 
views and sentiments of his cotemporaries. He was, ecclesi- 
astically, the " Charles Carroll, of Carrollton ; the last surviv- 
ing signer of the Declaration of Independence;" — yes, of 
true Presbyterian independence, when the old Presbytery of 
Redstone spread its banner to the breeze in 1781. Now with 
such reminiscences of a period within the memory of even the 
young of the Presbyterian Church, can we fail to regard with 
some interest the times when, amidst multiplied trials, and 
dangers, and sorrows, the walls of our Western Zion began 
to rise ? 

4. The Presbyterian Church, from the first day of her 
American organization, recognised her missionary character. 
The printed Records of the Presbytery of Philadelphia, and 



INTRODUCTION. IT 

of the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, prove beyond 
all question, that through a period of more than eighty years, 
the Presbyterian Church adhered firmly to the principle and 
duty of conducting missions at home and abroad through her 
ecclesiastical organizations. She had a mighty mission to 
perform, and nobly did she gird herself to the work. 

It was by this means that the Gospel was first preached 
west of the Alleghany Mountains. Missionaries sent out by 
the Synod of New York and Philadelphia first penetrated 
the howling wilderness, and proclaimed the glad news of sal- 
vation alike to the emigrant, the hunter, the trader, and the 
Indian. This part of our past history is perhaps little 
known, and will deserve and shall receive special notice here- 
after. But though our Church always, through her early 
days, and even for more than thirty years after the General 
Assembly, in 1789, was called into existence, acted upon the 
principle that "the Church of Christ, in her organized capacity, 
is a missionary society for the conversion of the world,"* 
there came a period when, through an amiable weakness that 
"leaned to virtue's side," she was seduced from her old pro- 
priety. Congregationalists of New England had carried on 
their missionary operations, not by Ecclesiastical Boards — of 
which their peculiar form of church organization did not, in 
the nature of the case, admit — but by voluntary associations. 
They were doing a noble work in their own way — the best 

* If the claims to Scriptural and Apostolic sanction, made alike by 
Episcopalians, Independents, and Presbyterians, for their respective 
forms of church organization, be tested by this principle, will it not set 
in a clear light the stronger claims of Presbyterianism ? If one grand 
design of the great Head of the Church in setting up and maintaining 
a visible Christian church in the world be the propagation of the gospel 
and the conversion of the world, — and who will question this? — then 
that form of church government which affords the greatest facilities for 
carrying on the work of missions must be most in accordance with the 
mind of Christ. Now, cannot prejudice itself discern the superior 
advantages of Presbyterian organization for carrying out and accom- 
plishing this grand mission of the visible Church of God? 
2 



18 INTRODUCTION. 

way of which they were capable with their defective form of 
church government. They persuaded us, and many among 
us who had come originally from them united with them, 
in coaxing us to adopt their way of doing this great work. 
They were truly eloquent, and profoundly philosophical 
in their arguments to convince us that we ought to fall in 
with them, and not only to carry on missions in the same way, 
but to take their defective and irresponsible organizations as 
the channels of our work. These good brethren assured us 
we would get along much better by adopting their more free 
and easy system, without Committees or Boards, under eccle- 
siastical supervision. They succeeded in their object for a 
time. We do not mean to question their motives. We verily 
believe they were generally honest. Nay, more ; we have no 
doubt they thought sincerely they would do us great good, 
and not evil. It was thought that by a combined movement, 
under the guidance of the Home Missionary Society, and the 
American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, a 
mightier work for the conversion of the world could be 
effected. Our Church, in a season when she received a fresh 
baptism of the Spirit of Missions, constituting her "mollia 
tempera fandi," yielded her assent. Now during this season 
of almost universal abandonment of the old Presbyterian 
principle on the subject of missions through church organiza- 
tion, what portion of our Zion held most firmly to the old paths 
of our fathers ? We have no hesitation in saying it was the 
portion within the original bounds of the Redstone Presbytery. 
And here was first revived the good old principle of conduct- 
ing missions by the Church in her organized capacity. Mea- 
sures were adopted by the Synod of Pittsburg, and the work 
of foreign missions was set on foot and carried on for several 
years by the Synod, Let it never be forgotten that when 
OUT present Board of Foreign 3Iissions -was organized,, it was 
by a transfer of this whole concern from the Synod of Pitts- 
burg to the General Assembly in 1835. And when in 1836, 



INTRODUCTION. 19 

N ^ith a New School majority, the Assembly undid and nullified 

this work of the previous year, that hold stroTce of their jpolicy 
led more than all other things put together to the momentous 
transactions of the General Assembly of 18B7 ! Now, have 
we not a right to enquire about the early history of this por- 
tion of the Church, that aided directly and indirectly to reco- 
ver her from her former defections, and to reinstate her on 
the ground ever held by our Zion from the beginning, and 
on the principles to which she owed, under God, her earliest 
life ? What does the Presbyterian Church owe to this section 
of her now wide-spread territory ? 

Let us briefly recapitulate, not in the order we have just 
indicated, but in a somewhat transposed, but equally available 
order, the above particulars. We hope they are worth 
summing up. 

We remark, then, that that portion of the Presbyterian 
Church which, in these latter days, made the first effectual 
movement, through ecclesiastical organization, in the cause 
of foreign missions, was located in the bounds of the old Red- 
stone Presbytery. The synod of Pittsburg, amongst her 
sister synods, may be entitled to the same honor, ecclesiasti- 
cally, which has been assigned, politically, to the State in 
which it is mainly situated — " the keystone of the federal 
arch." Perhaps the phrase, " the back-bone of the Presby- 
terian Church," is more significant. We cheerfully surrender 
both expressions, if they are thought to savor of ambitious 
pretension. 

Again, this portion of the Church, during the period of its 
greatest conflict, near twenty years ago, for constitutional 
principles and rights, against alarming invasion, from without, 
and extensive defection from thorough Presbyterianism, from 
within, stood with more firmness and unanimity by her stand- 
ards of doctrine and order, than almost any other part of 
our Zion. 

Again, extensive portions of the West are deeply indebted 



20 INTRODUCTION. 

to that part of our Church which was once included in the 
bounds of Redstone Presbytery. 

We might add a fourth particular, which ought to throw 
back a deep interest on our early history. The descendants 
of the Pilgrims remember with pride the efforts of their 
fathers in the cause of education, almost coeval with their 
landing on the Plymouth Rock, and are continually proclaim- 
ing to the world that, within less than twenty years after that 
event, Harvard University, (their glory and their shamey) was 
founded. Well, let it also be remembered that our early 
Christian fathers embarked in the cause of education, whilst 
yet their savage foes were prowling around them in their 
forests, and that two colleges were passing through their 
infant state, within less than ten years after the Presbytery 
of Redstone was formed. 

We ask, then, cannot much of the thorough orthodoxy, the 
• evangelical and missionary spirit, the nolle zeal for educa- 
tion, and the soundness in the faith, propagated through the 
West, be all traced, under God, to the early state and cha- 
racter of the Western Presbyterian Church? Who were 
those men whom God employed in this great work ? Under 
what circumstances of trial, of peril, and of self-sacrificing 
zeal, were the walls of our western Zion built ? On all these 
accounts, it cannot be uninteresting to many, we think, to 
learn something about the seven ministers who composed the 
old Redstone Presbytery for many years, and about the early 
history of this section of our ecclesiastical territory. 



OLD REDSTONE 



CHAPTER I. 

THE EARLY STATE OF THE COUNTRY, AND ITS FIRST 
SETTLEMENTS. 

An intelligent survey of our earlier history seems to 
require some general knowledge, at least, of the secular his- 
tory of this portion of the United States. Without this 
knowledge, much that pertains to the organization and pro- 
gress of our churches, to the domestic and social condition of 
our forefathers, and to the hardships and trials of our early 
ministers, must be involved in obscurity. There are many 
items in the early records of our first presbytery, that can be 
understood only by some acquaintance with the history, the 
laws, usages and customs of those times, and with the general 
state of society, and condition of the country. It will not, 
therefore, be deemed aside from the main design of this work, 
to attempt a comprehensive sketch of this character. 

The territory embraced within the limits of the Presbytery 
of Redstone included all the south-western part of Pennsyl- 
vania, and that portion of Virginia which stretches along 
between the Ohio and the western border of Pennsylvania. 
This entire scope of country, larger than some of the smaller 
States of the Union, was, a hundred years ago, the hunting- 
ground of the Iroquois or Six Nations, the Delawares, and 
the Shawnees. The French, however, claimed it as theirs by 
right of discovery. This claim was wholly preposterous, 
resting upon no solid basis, and was mainly prompted by an 
ambitious desire to unite their Canadian with their Louisia- 

21 



22 FRENCH CLAIMS — EAllLY SETTLEMENTS. 

nian possessions, and to draw a cordon across the track of the 
advancing Anglo-Saxon race. Yet, as early as the beginning 
of the eighteenth century, Bancroft tells us that not a foun- 
tain bubbled on the west of the Allegheny, but was claimed 
as being within the French empire. Louisiana stretched to 
the head-springs of the Allegheny and the Monongahela, of 
the Kanawha and the Tennessee. But no subject of either 
France or England had, before the year 1700, trodden the 
shores of the Allegheny, the Monongahela, or the Youghio- 
gheny. As early, however, as 1715 and 1720, occasionally 
a trader would venture west of the Allegheny mountains. 
And of these, says the historian of Western Pennsylvania, 
the first was James L. Fort, who resided, in 1700, east of the 
Susquehanna, but took up his residence west of it, at Le Fort 
Spring (Carlisle), in 1720. Peter Cleaver, John Evans, 
Henry Devay, Owen Nicholson, Alexander Magenty, Patrick 
Burns, John Evans, George Hutchinson, all of Cumberland 
county, (which then, indeed, included all the south-western 
part of the State) — also, Barnaby Currin, John M'Guire, a 
Mr. Frazer, the latter of whom had at an early day a trading- 
house at Venango (now Franklin), but afterwards on the 
Monongahela, at the mouth of Turtle creek — all these were 
traders among the Indians.* 

But no attempt had been made by the whites at settlements 
in this entire region before 1748, when the Ohio Company 
was formed. The object of this company was to effect set- 
tlements on the wild lands west of the Allegheny mountains, 
through the agency of an association of gentlemen. Mr. Lee, 
one of the king's council in Virginia, was at the head of it. 
With the view of carrying his plan into operation, he asso- 
ciated himself with twelve other persons in Virginia and 
Maryland, and with Mr. Hanbury, a merchant in London, 
who formed what they called "The Ohio Company."- Lau- 
rence Washington and his brother, Augustine Washington, 

* History of Western Pennsylvania, p. 40. 



THE OHIO COMPANY. JiS 

(brothers of George Washington,) were among the first who 
engaged in this scheme. A petition was presented to the 
king, on behalf of the company, which was approved, and five 
hundred thousand acres of land were granted almost in the 
terms requested by the company. The object of the company 
was to settle the lands, and to carry on the Indian trade upon 
a large scale. Hitherto the trade with the western Indians 
had been mostly in the hands of the Pennsylvanians. The 
company conceived that they might derive an important 
advantage over their competitors in this trade, from the water 
communication of the Potomac, and the eastern branches of 
the Ohio, between the Monongahela and Kanawha rivers, and 
west of the Allegheny mountains. Though this was a most 
promising scheme, and met with much favor from the most 
influential quarters, yet, owing to the various troubles in 
which the country was involved, from French influence and 
Indian forays, comparatively little resulted from it. It, how- 
ever, for some time, greatly promoted emigration into por- 
tions of Western Pennsylvania and Virginia.* 

* One singular fact, connected with this subject, deserves notice. 
Mr. Lawrence Washington, upon whom fell the chief management of 
the affairs of this company, after the death of Mr. Lee, conceived the 
very plausible plan of inviting the " Pennsylvania Dutch," and their 
brethren from Germany to colonize this region. Their only objection 
was the parish taxes they would have to pay to support the Episcopal 
Church. Mr. Washington exerted himself to get this difficulty removed ; 
but high church episcopacy was too strong for him ; and so his scheme 
failed ; and a large portion of Western Pennsylvania and Virginia was 
kept open for a different race — mainly for Scotch-Irish Presbyterians. 
Thus the intolerant Episcopal Establishment of Virginia was overruled 
by the purpose and providence of God, to contribute unwittingly to pro- 
vide a home for many of our fathers ; or rather to keep open for them 
such a home. Mr. Washington, in a letter to Mr. Hanbury of London, 
wrote, " I conversed with all the Pennsylvania Dutch whom I met — 
and much recommended their settling. The chief reason against it 
was the payment of an English clergyman, when few understood, and 
none made use of him. It has been my opinion, and I hope ever will 
be, that restraints on conscience are cruel, in regard to those on whom 



24 NOBLE SENTIMENTS OF MR, LAWRENCE. 

This company sent out Christopher Gist, in 1750, to explore 
the country from the south branch of the Potomac, northward 
to the head of Juniata river. He explored this region 
accordingly, crossed the mountains and reached the Alleghany 
river by the Valley of the Kiskeminetas. He crossed the 
Alleghany about four miles above the forks, where Pittsburg 
now stands : thence went down the Ohio to some point below 
Beaver river; and thence over to the Muskingum valley. 
The first actual settlement made was within the limits of what 
is now Fayette Co., in 1752, by Mr. Gist himself, on a tract 
of land now well known there as Mount Braddock, -west of 

they are imposed, and injurious to the country imposing them. England, 
Holland, and Prussia I may quote as examples, and much more Penn- 
sylvania, which has flourished under that delightful liberty, so as to 
become the admiration of every man who considers the short time it 
has been settled. As the ministry have thus far shown the true spirit 
of patriotism, by encouraging the extending of our dominions in 
America, I doubt not by an application, they would still go further, and 
complete what they have begun, by procuring some kind of charter to 
prevent the residents on the Ohio and its branches, from being subject 
to parish taxes, f hey all assured me that they might have from Ger- 
many any number of settlers, could they but obtain their favorite 
exemption. I have promised to endeavor for it, and now do my utmost 
by this letter. I am well assured we shall never obtain it hy law here. 
This colony (Virginia), was greatly settled in the latter part of Charles 
the First's time, and during the usurpation by the zealous churchmen ; 
and that spirit which was then brought in has ever since coniimied, so 
that, except a few Quakers, we have no dissenters. But what has been 
the consequence ? "VYe have increased by slow degrees, exce2)t negroes 
and convicts ; whilst our neighboring colonies, 'whose natural advan- 
tages are greatly inferior to ours, have become populous.' " These 
sentiments do great honor both to the head and heart of Lawrence 
Washington. But he labored in vain. A proposition was made by 
several Germans in Pennsylvania, that if they would have the above 
exemption secured to them, they would take fifty thousand acres of 
the company's land and settle it with two hundred families. But 
nothing was done. Parliament was too busy with public affairs, and 
the ministry otherwise engaged. And Episcopacy in the colony was 
unyielding. Blessed be God, that he makes the wrath and even the 
higotry of men to praise Ilim ! 



QUEEN ALIQUIPPA AND GENERAL WASHINGTON. 25 

the Youghiogeny river. Mr. Gist induced eleven families to 
settle around liim on lands supposed to be within the Ohio 
company's grant. 

The more southern part of Western Pennsylvania (Greene, 
Washington, Fayette, and part of Somerset), which was sup- 
posed to be within the boundaries of Virginia, was visited by 
adventurers from Maryland, prior to 1754. Among these 
were Wendel Brown, and his two sons, and Frederick Waltzer, 
who lived four miles west of Uniontown. David Taggart 
had settled in the valley which still bears his name, in North- 
Western Virginia, where several other families came, a few 
years afterwards, and where the Redstone Presbytery appointed 
supplies for several years. These were the only settlements 
attempted prior to Braddock's defeat ; and those made imme- 
diately afterwards — or prior to 1760, were repeatedly molested' 
— families murdered — cabins burnt, — and for a time such 
settlements were broken up — alternately abandoned and again 
occupied. 

In 1753, when Washington paid his visit to the French at 
Le Boeuf, he passed through this region going and returning. 
At that time, AUquippa, queen of the Delawares, resided at 
the mouth of the Youghiogeny — now M'Keesport. Wash- 
ington paid her a visit and made her a present of a watch- 
coat and a bottle of rum, " which latter was thought much 
the better present of the two." It is an incident worthy of 
a passing notice that just one century from that date, the 
present pastor of the Presbyterian church of that place, the 
Rev. Nathaniel West, D. D., was there installed in a new and 
beautiful house of worship. At the time of Washington's 
visit, king Shingisiiad his quarters near the mouth of Chartiers. 
Therr not a single white man was found where Pittsburg now 
stands. He reached that point November 24th, 1753 ; and 
says in his journal, " As I got down before the canoe, I spent 
some time in viewing the rivers and the land in the fork, 
which I think extremely well situated for a fort, as it has the 
absolute command of both rivers. The land at the point is 
twenty-five feet above the common surface of the water; and 



26 THE OLD FRENCH WAR. 

a considerable bottom of flat, well-timbered land, all around 
it, very convenient for building." But the reign of solitude 
there was soon to be broken forever. A company commanded 
by Captain Trent, arrived there, February 17th, 1754 — " a 
memorable day in our history." He was sent thither by the 
governor of Virginia, for the purpose of erecting a fort. We 
know not precisely when the work was begun ; but it must 
have been prior to the 17th of April, 1754 ; for on that day, 
Monsieur Contrecoeur with 60 batteaux, 300 canoes, 18 pieces 
of cannon, and 1000 men, Indians and Frenchmen, arrived 
from Venango, and summoned Ensign Ward, who commanded 
in the absence of Captain Trent, to surrender. Resistance, 
with about 40 men and even with the aid of an unfinished 
stockade, to some hundred French and Indians with several 
pieces of cannon, was out of the question. A capitulation, 
of course, followed ; and Ward, with his men, ascended the 
Monongahela to Redstone, now Brownsville, where a stone 
house had previously been erected. This afi'air was the com- 
meneement of that memorable war^ whose operations extended 
over continental Europe, Asia, Africa, and America — the old 
French War, which spread devastation, terror, and death, 
especially over the West — for eight entire years. And upon 
the successful termination of this war, the British government 
claiming some indemnity for their great losses and expenses, 
from the American Colonies, in the form of duties, taxes, &c., 
without their consent, and without any representation on their 
part in the British Parliament, were met with resistance from 
the colonies. And this, in turn, provoking to further en- 
croachments on their rights — and to many insults and indigni- 
ties — kindled the flames of the Revolutionary War — which 
terminated in the independence of the United States of 
America. This greatest event of modern history, in view of 
all its present and prospective bearings upon the destipies of 
the world, may be traced largely to the scenes in and around 
Pittsburg, just one hundred years ago. We shall not attempt 
the stories of the Great Meadows, of Fort Necessity, of 



THE GLOOMIEST PERIOD Ui MODERN HISTORY. 27 

Braddock's defeat — and other incidents belonging to that 
period immediately succeeding the triumphant possession on 
the part of the French, of this point at the head of the Ohio, 
an(J of the surrounding region. Perhaps the gloomiest period 
to the American colonies, to England, and to Protestant 
Europe, that was ever experienced, either before or after, 
was that embraced in the two years immediately following 
Braddock's defeat. Lord Chesterfield, in England, exclaimed, 
" I never saw so dreadful a prospect." Horace Walpole in a 
letter said : " It is time for England to slip her cables and to 
float away into some unknown ocean." President Davies, in 
America, said, " I cannot help saying that our doom is dis- 
mally uncertain. I know not what a provoked God intends 
to do with us and our nation. I have my hopes, indeed ; but 
they are balanced and sometimes overbalanced with fearful 
and gloomy apprehensions." * But it pleased the Mighty 
Sovereign of nations to raise to controlling political power, 
just when a universal gloom was settling upon the world, that 
great man, the immortal Lord Chatham, — under whose 
administration a new era began. And no part of the world 
felt its blessed influence more than Western Pennsylvania. 

* The Rev. Aaron Burr, then President of Princeton College, in a 
sermon before the Synod of New York, September 30th, 1756, said — 
" It gives me no pleasure to be a messenger of evil tidings, nor would 
I make positive assertions about future events: y^t I must say our 
public affairs wear a dark aspect. The nation we are engaged with in 
war is numerous, powerful, and politic. France abounds with men, 
and the king commands as many as he pleases into the field ; on every 
occasion shows himself superior to our expectations ; and his being an 
absolute monarch gives great advantage in point of secrecy and 
despatch." 

" All our schemes hitherto prove unsuccessful : our enemies, small 
and contemptible as their numbers appeared to us, everywhere get the 
advantage." — " Braddock's mournful defeat last year, has been attended 
with a train of destructive consequences. It is not easy to conceive 
what we have suffered from the barbarous natives, under the influence 
and by the assistance of the French," &c. — Burr's " Sermon," in Dr. 
C. C. Beatty's hands. 



28 HOW THAT GLOOM WAS DISPELLED. 

A new spirit was infused into the utmost extremities of the 
realm. By a sort of instinctive wisdom, more than human, a 
new set of superior men were, everywhere, called into the 
service of the administration, inspired with dauntless energy 
and sleepless vigilance. The "Iron-headed" General Forbes 
was placed at the head of an army for the re-capture of Fort 
DuQuesne, and the recovery of the West. And Boquet, 
Lewis, Washington and Armstrong, were a part of his noble 
officers. The Rev. C. Beatty, a Presbyterian minister, was 
one of their Chaplains — a man of the spirit of Davies, in his 
peculiar talents for this service ; of whom we shall have more 
to say in the sequel. The expedition was completely suc- 
cessful ; and all the West was again recovered from the 
defeated and terrified French.* In a thanksgiving discourse, 
delivered on that cheering event, Davies broke forth in the 
following eloquent strain, " Fort DuQuesne, the den of those 
mongrel savages who have ravaged our frontiers, captured and 
butchered so many of our fellow-subjects, and ruined so many 
poor families — Fort DuQuesne — the object of Braddock's 
ever-tragical and unfortunate expedition, near which so many 
brave lives have been repeatedly thrown away in vain — Fort 
DuQuesne, the magazine which has furnished our Indian 
enemies with provisions, arms, and fury to make their bar- 
barous inroads upon the British settlements, and prevented 
our growing country from extending its frontiers on the Ohio — 

* " On the 25th of November, the youthful hero," (General Wash- 
ington) " could point out to the army, the junction of the rivers; and 
entering the fortress, they planted the British flag on the deserted ruins. 
As the banners of England floated over the Ohio, the place vras, with 
one voice, named Pittsburg. It is the most enduring trophy of the 
glory of William Pitt. America afterwards raised to his name statues, 
that have been wrongfully broken ; and granite monuments, of which 
not one stone remains upon another ; but, long as the Monongahela 
and the Alleghany shall flow to form the Ohio, — long as the ^English 
tongue shall be the language of freedom in the boundless valley which 
these waters traverse, his name shall stand inscribed on the gateway of 
the Mqb%:'— Bancroft's Hist. U. S., Vol. IV., p. 313. 



PONTIAC'S WAR. 29' 

Fort DuQuesne is abandoned and demolished — demolished by 
those hands that built it, without the loss of a man on our side. 
The terror of the Lord fell upon them, and they fled at the 
approach of our army." 

The treaty of 1762 brought quiet and repose to some extent, 
to the English colonies, and the first settlers on the frontiers 
returned to their abandoned farms. " The happy efl"ects," 
says Smollet in his history of England, " of these measures 
were soon apparent — in the perfect security of about four 
thousand settlers who now returned to the quiet possession of 
their lands," and his authority was probably a passage in /a 
letter dated at Pittsburg, March 21st, 1760, " The happy 
efiects of our military operations are also felt by about 4000 
poor inhabitants, who are now in quiet possession of their 
lands they were driven from on the frontiers of Pennsylvania, 
Virginia, and Maryland." 

All things seemed now to promise peace and prosperity. 
But they were soon obliged again to leave their quiet homes 
and retire for safety to the more densely settled parts. 
Though Fort DuQuesne — thenceforward called Fort Pitt — 
never again fell into the hands of the French, their savage 
allies, treacherously instigated by the French, though pro- 
fessedly at peace with England, carried on a more furious and 
desolating war than ever against the frontier settlers. This 
was that horrible war, forever memorable under the name of 
Pontiacs war, of which we shall afterwards have occasion to 
speak. But it was soon brought to a successful issue by 
Colonel Boquet, in the fall of '63 ; and in '64, he compelled 
the turbulent and restless Kyashutha to sue for peace and 
bury the hatchet on the plains of Muskingum. He finally 
humbled the Delawares and Shawnees. Again the settlers 
returned to their cabins ; and having resumed their labors, 
extended their improvements and cultivated their lands. From 
this time forth the prosperity of Western Pennsylvania 
advanced rapidly, and the tide of emigration, with the conse- 
quent settlements, rolled westward. 



30 INCREASING TIDE OF EMIGRATION. 

Previous to 1758, Westmoreland was a wilderness trodden 
by the wild beast and the savage, and, like other portions of 
"Western Pennsylvania, by an occasional trader. No settle- 
ments of any account were attempted prior to this date, when 
Fort Pitt, having become an English military post, formed a 
nucleus for an English settlement. Two years afterwards, a 
small town was built near it, whose population, for several 
years, did not exceed two hundred. During Pontiacs war, 
indeed, it was for a short season quite abandoned ; the vil- 
lagers retiring into the fort, or fleeing elsewhere, and suffer- 
ing the place to fall to decay. But in 1765, Pittsburg was, to a 
small extent, regularly laid out. In 1765 and 1766, settle- 
ments were made at Redstone and Turkey-Foot. Several of 
these were heads of Presbyterian families. The Indian titles 
had not yet been extinguished, and the governor warned them 
off. Some retired, but soon returned. Others paid no regard 
to the complaints of the Indians or the threats of the govern- 
ment. There was much trouble from this source about 1768 ; 
but it happily subsided, and the Indian claims were satisfied 
by treaties. 

About this time, some emigrated from Berkley County, 
Virginia, and settled in what is now Fayette County, Penn- 
sylvania, but then claimed by Virginia. In the summer of 
1766, two Presbyterian missionaries visited Western Pennsyl- 
vania, and spent two months among the settlers and Indians, 
of whom we will have occasion more fully to speak hereafter. 
During this period (from 1760 to 1770), settlements were 
rapidly made in various places, through all the region em- 
braced by the Presbytery of Redstone. A considerable num- 
ber of emigrants, soon after 1767, settled on the Youghiogeny, 
the Monongahela, and its several branches or tributaries, and 
in the year 1770-71, many of the Scotch-Irish from Bedford 
and York Counties, from the Kittatinny Valley, fropi" Vir- 
ginia, and some directly from the north of Ireland, com- 
menced settlements in Washington County. These settle- 
ments soon extended from the Monongahela to the Ohio 



LAND TITLES. §1: 

River. The swelling tide of the Anglo-Saxon race spreading 
annually wider and wider, began to engage much attention. 
The forts at Redstone and at Wheeling were among the first 
and most conspicuous. The route the settlers pursued was 
the scarce practicable path called Braddock's Trail, which they 
travelled with no better means for their furniture and provi- 
sions than that afforded by pack-horses. The great object of 
most of these persons was to obtain possession of the lands, 
the titles to which cost little more than the office-fees. The 
Indian title was not then considered by the individual as pre- 
senting any obstacle ; and Virginia, whose charter it was then 
supposed embraced this region of country, confirmed the titles 
of settlers with no other restrictions than such as were neces- 
sary to prevent the confusion of interfering claims. At an 
early period that State appointed three commissioners to give 
certificates of settlement rights, which were sent with the 
surveyor's plot to the land office, where they remained for six 
months, to give sufficient time to ascertain that there were no 
other claimants to the same tracts. If none appeared within 
that time, the patents were issued. There was an inferior 
kind of title, called a " Tomahawk right," which was made by 
deadening a few trees near a spring, and marking others by 
cutting in the bark, by the person who thus took possession. 
This ceremony conveyed no legal property ; but was respected 
by the settlers as establishing a priority of claim, with which 
it was discreditable to interfere. These rights were therefore 
often bought and sold, because those who wished to secure 
favorite tracts of land chose to buy the Tomahawk improve- 
ments rather than quarrel with those who had made them. 
The Proprietary of Pennsylvania, in 1768, purchased the 
country from the Indians as far west as the Allegheny and 
Ohio Rivers, and opened the office for the sale of those lands. 
When the office was opened he made proclamation, and re- 
stricted the surveyors to respect the lands of actual settlers 
who had improved to the value of five pounds, and not to 
survey them, or warrants or locations of a date posterior to 



32 LORD DUNIiTORE S POLICY. 

the settlements, except to those hy whom the settlements 
were made. Favored by this indulgence, — which, however, 
was usual in both provinces, — few of those who lived adjacent 
to the Monongahela, and had already occupied the lands, 
applied to, the oflSce for locations or warrants. They were 
not certain to which state or province the soil belonged, and 
probably had a secret wish that it should belong to Virginia, 
because, in that case, it would cost them but about one-four- 
teenth part of the price for which lands were sold in Penn- 
sylvania, and their wishes would be likely to govern their 
faith. In or about this year. Governor Lord Dunmore opened 
several offices for those within the bounds of what are now 
the four western counties of Pennsylvania ; and the warrants 
were granted on paying two shillings and six-pence fees. The 
purchase money was trifling indeed, being only about ten 
shillings per hundred acres, and even that was not demanded. 
This was an effectual inducement to apply to Dunmore's 
agents in preference to the Pennsylvania land office. The 
land, being the property of the king, was at the disposal of 
the governor, who also procured a court of Virginia to be 
extended to the Ohio ; and in a short time, two county courts 
were held south of the Monongahela, and one north of it, at 
Redstone Old Fort (Brownsville) ; all of them within the ter- 
ritory since ascertained to belong to Pennsylvania. 

This course was afterwards changed — " The State of Vir- 
ginia recognized, by a municipal regulation of May 3d, 1779, 
actual settlers" who had made a crop of corn, or resided on 
lands one year before January 1st, 1778, as " freeholders of 
that Commonwealth, and entitled to farms, not exceeding 400 
acres." 

In the year 1774, the peace of the western settlements 
was disturbed by alarms of Indian hostility, and a vexatious 
contest with the Governor of Virginia, an relation^^ to the 
western boundary. Both of these, perhaps, sprang from a 
cunning policy, on the part of Lord Dunmore — aiming thereby 
to withhold or withdraw the attention of both Pennsylvania 



THE WEST SHARED IN THE REVOLUTION. 33 

and Virginia from the subject of British aggressions on the 
liberties of the Colonies, by involving them in a war with the 
Indians, and in jealousies and quarrels among themselves 
about the disputed claims of these States. His subsequent 
conduct, in deserting the cause of American liberty, gave 
much plausibility to this construction of his motives. Though, 
after the peace of Paris, as it was called, first signed by the 
belligerent parties, November 3d, 1762 — and the Definitive 
Treaty, February 3d, 1763 — the close of the old French 
War — emigrants began to pour across the mountains, espe- 
cially upon the close of Pontiacs War, in the fall of 1763-4 ; 
this stream was much enlarged, during the whole progress of 
the War of the Revolution. 

This was from no unpatriotic desire to escape from their 
country's struggles for independence. They knew that cause 
was to be maintained, west as well as east of the mountains. 
The British government — at least its agents — sought the 
co-operation of the savages, every where through the western 
country, to humble and crush their colonies. It is believed 
that no portion of American citizens rendered more service 
to their country than the people of the West ; by repelling 
the savage foe, and rendering abortive one of the principal 
means employed by Great Britain to crush our rising Re- 
public* And when peace at length was secured, by the 
Treaty of 1783, which secured forever our Independence, and 
staunched the bleeding wounds of a seven years' war — it 
brought no peace to the West. There was still little security 
for the twenty thousand Anglo-Americans in Western Penn- 
sylvania, during the whole subsequent period, till 1794. The 
people suffered greatly from the Indians. Two armies sent 
out against them, in the Western part of Ohio, under General 

* General Washington, in the gloomiest period of the Revolution, said 
to Colonel Reed, that, in the event of further reverses, he would retreat to 
Augusta County, Virginia; and driven from there, he would cross the 
Allegheny mountains, and take his stand in the West. — Crrimsliaw' s 
History U. S. 

3 



34 LONG CONTINUANCE OF INDIAN TROUBLES. 

Harmar and General St. Clair — the former in 1790, the lat- 
ter in 1791 — were both defeated, and shockingly cut to pieces ; 
and not until General Anthony Wayne gave them a dreadful 
overthrow on the Miami-of-the-Lake, was there any thing like 
security or permanent peace established. Thus, during the 
entire period through which the Old Presbytery of Redstone 
existed, and was nobly performing its glorious mission, were 
there "fightings without." 

In comparison with this never-ceasing source of anxiety to 
certain portions of the people, in the bounds of the Presby- 
tery, other causes of trouble and peril wei'e of small account. 
Yet, in themselves, they were often most harassing. The still 
conflicting claims of the two States — the impossibility, in 
many cases, of a faithful administration of law and justice — 
the uncertainty of land titles — the jealous heart-burnings be- 
tween the two classes of emigrants, from Eastern Pennsylva- 
nia and from Virginia, which were not ended till the dividing 
line was finally fixed and settled in 1784 * — the exposure of 
many persons, especially women and children, to perilous 
adventures with the " ferse naturae," howling beasts of prey — 
the want of bread, and danger of starvation at particular sea- 
sons — the scarcity of salt and iron — the absence of all roads 
across the mountains, except bridle paths — all these then, and 
many other things besides, rendered their condition hapless, 
and any thing but Eden-like. But whilst we will reserve for 
another place, an example or two, illustrative of their trials 
and dangers from the savages, we may, perhaps, as well here 
as elsewhere, give a sample of their trials from exposure to 
wild animals, and to want of food. 

* "Civil authority is by no means properly established in this coun- 
try ; which, I doubt not, proceeds, in some degree, from inattention in 
the Executives of Virginia and Pennsylvania not running the boundary 
line — which is, at present, an excuse for neglect of duty of all kinds, 
for at least twenty miles on each side of the line. More evils will arise 
from this, than people are aware of." — Extract of a Letter f ram Gen. 
Irwin to Gen. Washington, dated Fort Pitt, March ZOth, 1782. 



ADVENTURE OF MOORHEAD AND KELLY. 35 

About the year 1771 or 1772, Fergus Moorhead and 
James Kelly commenced improvements near where the town 
of Indiana now stands. The country around might well be 
termed a howling wilderness, for it was full of wolves. As 
soon as these adventurers had erected their cabins, each be- 
took himself, at night, to his own castle. One morning, Mr. 
Moorhead paid a visit to his neighbor Kelly, and was sur- 
prised to find, near his cabin, traces of blood, and tufts of 
human hair. Kelly was not to be found. Moorhead, be- 
lieving him to have been killed by the wolves, was cautiously 
looking out for his remains, when he discovered him sitting 
by a spring, washing the blood from his hair. He had lain 
down in his cabin at night, and fallen asleep ; a wolf reached 
through a crack between the logs, and seized him by the 
head. This was repeated twice or thrice before he was suffi- 
ciently awakened to change his position. The smallness of 
the crack, and the size of his head, prevented the wolf from 
grasping it so far as to have a secure hold ; and that saved 
his life. Some time after this, the two adventurers returned 
to Franklin county for their families, and, on their return, 
they were joined by others. They no doubt observed a pru- 
dent silence, especially with their wives, in regard to the wolf 
adventure. 

Moses Chambers was another early settler. Having served 
several years on board of a British man-of-war, he was quali- 
fied for a life of danger and hardship. Moses continued to 
work on his improvements, till he was told one morning that 
the last johnnycake was at the fire ! "What was to be done ? 
There was no possibility of a supply, short of Conegocheague. 
He caught his horse, and made ready. He broke the johnny- 
cake in two pieces, and, giving one half to his wife, the 
partner of his perils and fortunes, he put up the other half in 
the lappet of his coat, with thorns, and turned his horse's 
head towards the east. There were no inns on the road, in 
those days — no habitation, west of the mountains, on his 
route, save, perhaps, a hut or two at Fort Ligonier. The 



36 MOSES CHAMBERS. 

Kittanning path was used to Ligonier, and, from thence, the 
road made by General Forbes's army. Where good pasture 
could be had for his horse, Moses tarried and baited. To him, 
day was as night, and night as day. He slept only while his 
horse was feeding. Nor did he give rest to his bod}^, or ease 
to his mind, until he returned, with his sack stored with corn. 
" How forcibly," adds the narrator, " would the affecting 
story of the patriarch Jacob apply itself to the condition of 
families thus circumstanced ! ' Jacob said to his sons, " Why 
do ye look one upon another?" and he said, "Behold, I have 
heard that there is corn in Egypt : get you down thither, and 
buy for us from thence, that we may live and not die." ' " 

Moses Chambers was not the only one who had to encounter 
the fatigue and trouble of procuring supplies from Franklin 
county. But, as great as these difficulties were, the first 
settlers of Indiana had others to encountex-, of a still more 
serious nature. The savage and hostile Indians gave them 
much trouble. Several of the inhabitants were killed and 
scalped ; others were forced to leave their homes, and seek a 
place of safety on the eastern side of the mountains. Kelly 
and Moorhead had many narrow escapes from the Indians. 
But they finally caught Moorhead, together with a settler by 
the name of Simpson. Simpson was killed, and Moorhead 
was carried through the woods to Quebec, where he was con- 
fined eleven months. He was afterwards exchanged and sent 
to New York, and from thence made his way to his family. 
His wife and three children had fled to a "place of safety, in 
a fort in Westmoreland county, and from thence to Franklin. 

Settlements were gradually extended through the north- 
western part of Pennsylvania, as far as Erie county, between 
1790 and 1795. The Presbytery of Redstone sent out occa- 
sional supplies in that direction ; but it was after it ceased to 
be the sole presbytery of the West. 

The following article, written by the Hon. Judge Wilkeson, 
of Buffalo, N. Y., was furnished, some years ago, in several 
successive numbers, to the "American Pioneer," a monthly 



JUDGE AVILKESON'S EAELY RECOLLECTIONS. 37 

periodical published in Cincinnati, Ohio, 1842-3, by J. S. 
Williams, Esq., and now somewhat abridged, will be found to 
throw as much light upon the subject to which we have invited 
the attention of the reader, as anything which could be offered. 



EARLY RECOLLECTIONS OF THE WEST. 

INTRODUCTION — POVERTY CONSEQUENT UPON THE REVOLUTION — 
PIONEER- MOTHERS — PIONEER MODE OE REMOVAL — GREAT DIF- 
FICULTIES OP THE JOURNEY FIRST EMPLOYMENTS OF THE 

PIONEER MURDER OF AN INDIAN — PROGRESS OP THE FIRST 

SETTLERS. 

The present happy population of our country, enjoying not 
only peace, but all the necessaries and conveniences of life, 
can form no just conception of the poverty and privations 
endured by the early settlers of the West. 

The revolutionary war had withdrawn much of the labor of 
the country from agriculture and manufactures. There was 
no commerce, no money. The country at large could not 
furnish even necessary clothing. Hard as was the fate of the 
soldier while starving, freezing, and fighting for independence, 
still the prospective was cheering to him ; he never doubted 
that his services would be rewarded, and be remembered with 
gratitude by his country. But, when discharged, he received 
his pay in continental money, worth but a few cents on the 
dollar, and, returning poor to his family, found them as desti- 
tute as himself. The pride and parade of the camp, which 
had excited and sustained him, were now gone — there was 
none to relieve or assist him. Some sank under their dis- 
couragements. Brave men, who never shrank from danger 
in their country's defence, and who cheerfully endured all the 
hardships incident to the soldier's life, had not the courage to 
contend with poverty, nor the resolution to exchange the 
excitements of war for that diligent pursuit of personal labor 
which was requisite for the support of their families. Many, 
however, resolved on crossing the mountains, and becoming 



3» JOURNEY TO THE WEST. 

farmers in the West. The difficulties to be encountered in 
efiFecting this resolution were many and great. The journey 
was full of peril, especially to women and children, poorly 
provided with even the most common necessaries. 

It may interest some of your readers, who have never felt 
what privation or suffering is, to know by what expedients the 
pioneers of the West were enabled to remove their families 
across the mountains. I have often, when a boy, listened to 
the recital made by the mothers who were companions in 
these sufferings, and who, at every meeting in after life, 
would recur to them with tears. 

My father's family was one of twenty that emigrated from 
Carlisle, and the neighboring country, to Western Pennsyl- 
vania, in the spring of 1784. Oui' arrangements for the 
journey would, with little variation, be descriptive of those 
of the whole caravan. Our family consisted of my father, 
mother, and three children, (the eldest one five, the youngest 
less than one year old,) and a bound boy of fourteen. The 
road to be travelled in crossing the mountains was scarcely, 
if at all, practicable for wagons. Pack-horses were the only 
means of transportation then, and for years after. We were 
provided with three horses, on one of which my mother rode, 
carrying her infant, with all the table furniture and cooking 
utensils. On another were packed the stores of provisions, 
the plough-irons, and other agricultural tools. The third 
horse was rigged out with a pack-saddle, and two large creels 
made of hickory withes, in the fashion of a crate, one over 
each side, in which were stowed the beds and bedding, and 
the wearing apparel of the family. In the centre of these 
creels there was an aperture prepared for myself and sister ; 
and the top was well secured by lacing, to keep us in our 
places, so that only our heads appeared above. Each family 
was supplied with one or more cows, which was an i»dispen- 
sable provision for the journey. Their milk fm*nished the 
morning and evening meal for the children, and the surplus 
was carried in canteens for us during the day. 



^ PERILS OP THE ROUTE. 35? 

Thus equipped, the company set out on their journey. 
Many of the men being unacquainted with the management 
of horses, or the business of packing, little progress was made, 
the first day or two. When the caravan reached the moun- 
tains, the road was found to be hardly passable for loaded 
horses. In many places, the path lay along the edge of a 
precipice, where, if the horse had stumbled or lost his balance, 
he would have been precipitated several hundred feet below. 
The path was crossed by many streams, raised by the melting 
snow, and spring rains, and running with rapid current in 
deep ravines. Most of these had to be forded, as there were 
no bridges, and but few ferries. For many successive days, 
hair-breadth escapes were continually occurring ; sometimes, 
horses falling ; at other times, carried away by the current, 
and the women and children with difficulty saved from drown- 
ing. Sometimes, in ascending steep acclivities, the lashing 
of the creels would give way, and both children and creels 
tumble to the ground, and roll down the steep, until arrested 
by some traveller of the company. In crossing streams, or 
passing places of more than ordinary difficulty in the road, 
mothers were often separated from some of their children for 
many hours. 

The journey was made in April, when the nights were 
cold. The men who had been inured to the hardships of war, 
could with cheerfulness endure the fatigues of the journey. 
It was the mothers who suffered ; they could not, after the 
toils of the day, enjoy the rest they so much needed at night; 
the wants of their suffering children must be attended to. 
After preparing their simple meal, they lay down, with scanty 
covering, in a miserable cabin, or, as it sometimes happened, 
in the open air, and often, unrefreshed, were obliged to rise 
early, to encounter the fatigues and dangers of another day. 

As the company approached the Monongahela, they began 
to separate. Some settled down near to friends and ac- 
quaintances who had preceded them. About half of the 
company crossed the Monongahela, and settled on Chartier's 



40 CABIN BUILDING — INDIAN ALARMS. 

creek, a few miles south of Pittsburg, in a hilly country, well 
watered and well timbered. Settlers' rights to land were 
obtained on easy terms. My father exchanged one of his 
horses for a tract, (bounded by certain brooks and marked 
trees,) which was found, on being surveyed, several years 
after, to contain about 200 acres. 

The new-comers aided each other in building cabins, which 
were made of round logs, with a slight covering of clapboards. 
The building of chimneys and laying of floors were postponed 
to a future day. As soon as the families were all under 
shelter, the timber was girdled, and the necessary clearing 
made for planting corn, potatoes, and a small patch of flax. 
Some of the party were despatched for seed. Corn was 
obtained at Pittsburg; but potatoes could not be procured 
short of Ligonier valley, distant three days' journey. The 
season was favorable for clearing ; and, by unremitting labor, 
often continued through a part of the night, the women 
laboring with their husbands in burning brush and logs, their 
planting was seasonably secured. But, while families and 
neighbors were cheering each other on with the prospect of 
an abundant crop, one of the settlements was attacked by the 
Indians, and all of them were thrown into the greatest alarm. 
This was a calamity which had not been anticipated. It had 
been confidently believed that peace with Great Britain would 
secure peace with her Indian allies. The very name of 
Indian chilled the blood of the late emigrants ; but there was 
no retreat. If they desired to recross the mountains, they 
had not the provisions or means, and had nothing but poverty 
and sufiering to expect, should they regain their former 
homes. They resolved to stay. 

The frontier settlements were kept in continual alarm. 
Murders were frequent, and many were taken prisoners. 
These were more generally children, who were taken -to De- 
troit, (which, in violation of the treaty, continued to be occu- 
pied by the British,) where they were sold. The attacks of 
the Indians were not confined to the extreme frontier. They 



NAMES OF THE FRONTIER HEROES. 41 

often penetrated the settlements several miles, especially when 
the stealing of horses was a part of their object. Their depre- 
dation effected, they retreated precipitately across the Ohio. 
The settlers for many miles from the Ohio, during six months 
of the year, lived in daily fear of the Indians. Block-houses 
were provided in several neighborhoods for the protection of 
the women and children, while the men carried on their farm- 
ing operations, some standing guard while the others labored. 
The frequent calls on the settlers to pursue marauding parties, 
or perform tours of militia duty, greatly interrupted their atten- 
tion to their crops and families, and increased the anxieties 
and sufferings of the women. The general government could 
grant no relief. They had neither money nor credit. Indeed, 
there was little but the name in the old confederation. The 
State of Pennsylvania was unable to keep up a military force 
for the defence of her frontier. She had generously ex- 
hausted her resources in the struggle for national indepen- 
dence. Her Legislature, however, passed an act granting a 
bounty of one hundred dollars on Indian scalps. But an 
incident occurred which led to the repeal of this law before 
the termination of the war. 

A party of Indian spies, having entered a wigwam on 
French Creek, supposed to be untenanted, discovered, while 
breakfasting, an Indian extended on a piece of bark overhead. 
They took him prisoner; but reflecting that there was no 
bounty on prisoners, they shot him under circumstances which 
brought the party into disgrace, and the scalp bounty law into 
disrepute. 

The settlement was guarded, and in fact preserved from 
utter dispersion, by a few brave men. Brave is a term not 
sufficiently expressive of the daring boldness of the Bradys, 
Sprouts, Poes, Lesnets, Wettzells, Caldwells, Crawfords, Wil- 
liamsons, Pauls, Harrisons, and Zaneses, who for years en- 
countered unheard-of privations in the defence of the border 
settlements, and often carried the war successfully into the 
Indian country. 



42 EARLY DOMESTIC SCENES IN FRONTIER LIFE. 



GREAT DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED BY EARLY SETTLERS — MORAL 
CONDITION OF THE SETTLERS — RELIGIOUS ZEAL AND POVERTY — 
CLOTHING AND EDUCATION — COMPARISON OF DIFFICULTIES BE- 
TWEEN SETTLING A NEW COUNTRY THEN AND NOW. 

But to return to our emigrants. Besides their exposure to 
Indian depredations and massacres, they had other trials to 
endure, which, at the present day, cannot be appreciated. 
One of the most vexatious was, the running away of their 
horses. As soon as the fly season commenced, the horses 
seemed resolved on leaving the country, and re-crossing the 
mountains. The river was no barrier. They swam the Mo- 
nongahela, and often proceeded 150 miles before they were 
taken up. During the husband's absence in pursuit of his 
horses, his wife was necessarily left alone with her children 
in their unfinished cabin, surrounded by forests, in which the 
howl of the wolf was heard from every hill. If want of pro- 
vision, or other causes, made a visit to a neighbor's necessary, 
she must either take her children with her through the woods, 
or leave them unprotected, under the most fearful apprehen- 
sion that some mischief might befal them before her return. 
As bread and meat were scarce, milk was the principal de- 
pendence for the support of the family. One cow of each 
family was provided with a bell, which, if good, could be heard 
from half a mile to a mile. The woman, left alone, on getting 
up in the morning, instead of lacing her corsets and adjusting 
her curls, placed herself in the most favorable position for 
listening to her cow-bell, which she knew, as well as she did 
the voice of her child, and considered it fortunate if she heard 
it even at a distance. By her nice and never-failing discrimi- 
nation of sounds, she could detect her own, even among a 
clamor of many other bells ; thus manifesting a nicety of ear 
which, with cultivation, might have been envied by the best 
musicians of the present day. If her children were small she 
tied them in bed, to prevent them from wandering, and to 



NOT A DEGRADED RACE. 41 

guard them from danger from fire and snakes ; and guided by 
the tinkling of the bell, made her way through the tall meads, 
and across the ravines, until she found the object of her 
search. Happy on her return to find her children unharmed, 
and regardless of a thorough wetting from the dew, she has- 
tened to prepare her breakfast of milk, boiled with a little 
meal or hominy ; or in the protracted absence of her husband, 
it was often reduced to milk alone. Occasionally venison and 
turkeys w^re obtained from hunters. Those settlers, who 
were provided with rifles, could, with little loss of time, sup- 
ply their families with fresh meat ; but with the new settlers, 
rifles were scarce. They were more accustomed to the musket. 

It may seem to some that these people, whose hardships 
and poverty we have been describing, must have been a de- 
graded race, or they would have been better provided with 
the means of comfortable living. But they who would come 
to this conclusion, must be ignorant of the condition of our 
country at the close of the revolution. The poverty of the 
disbanded soldier was not the consequence of idleness, dissi- 
pation or vice. The times were in fault, not the men. The 
money which he had received for his services in the army, 
proved to be nearly worthless. But instead of brooding over 
this injustice, or seeking to redress his wrongs by means which 
would disturb the public peace, and demolish the temple of 
liberty, which he had labored to erect, he nobly resolved to 
bear his misfortunes, and brave the dangers and hardships of 
emigration. 

A more intelligent, virtuous and resolute class of men 
never settled any country, than the first settlers of AVestern 
Pennsylvania : and the women who shared their sufferings and 
sacrifices were no less worthy. Very many of the settlers in 
what are now Washington and Allegheny Counties were pro- 
fessors of religion of the strictest sect of Seceders. I well 
remember hearing them, when a boy, railing at Watts' Psalms, 
and other like heresies. At a very early period of the settle- 
ment, a distinguished minister of that denomination, Mr. Hen- 



44 SCARCITY OF CLOTHING. 

derson, was settled near Carxonsburgh. It vras common for 
families to ride from ten to fifteen miles to meeting. The 
young people regularly walked five or six miles, and in sum- 
mer carried their stockings and shoes, if they had any, in 
their hands, both going and returning. 

I believe that no churches or houses of worship were 
erected in the country until about 1790. Even in winter the 
meetings were held in the open air. A place was selected 
which partially sheltered the congregation from the weather, 
where a log pulpit was erected and logs furnished the audience 
with seats. ' Among the men who attended public worship in 
the winter, ten were obliged to substitute a blanket or a 
coverlet for a great-coat, where one enjoyed the luxury of 
that article. So great was the destitution of comfortable 
clothing, that when the first court of common pleas was held 
in Catfish, now Washington, a highly respectable citizen, 
whose presence was required as a magistrate, could not attend 
court without first borrowing a pair of leather breeches from 
an equally respectable neighbor who was summoned on the 
grand jury. The latter lent them, and having no others, had 
to stay at home. This scarcity of clothing will not seem sur- 
prising when we consider the condition of the country at that 
time, and that most of these settlers brought but a scanty 
supply of clothing and bedding with them. This stock could 
not be refurnished until flax was grown and made into cloth. 

Those who are reared in contact with the ledgers, th6 
claims, the lawsuits, and the bankruptcies of this contentious 
age, can form but a faint idea of real pioneer hospitality, in 
which half of the scanty supply of a needy family was often 
cheerfully served up to relieve the necessity of the still more 
needy traveller or emigrant family. From feelings and acts 
of this kind, as from seeds, has sprung much of the system- 
atized benevolence in which many of our enlightened «itizens 
are engaged. 

The labor of all the settlers was greatly interrupted by the 
Indian war. Although the older settlers had some sheep, 



woman's trials. 45 

yet tlieir increase was slow, as the countrj abounded in 
wolves. It was therefore a work of time to secure a supply 
of wool. Deerskin was a substitute for cloth for men and 
boys, but not for women and girls ; although they were some- 
times compelled to resort to it. The women had to spin, and 
generally to weave all the cloth for their families ; and when 
the wife was feeble and had a large family, her utmost efforts 
could not enable her to provide them with anything like com- 
fortable clothing. The only wonder is — and I shall never 
cease to wonder — that they did not sink under their burdens. 
Their patient endurance of these accumulated hardships did 
not arise from a slavish servility or insensibility to their 
rights and comforts. They justly appreciated their situation, 
and nobly encountered the difficulties which could not be 
avoided. Possessing all the affections of the wife, the ten- 
derness of the mother, and the sympathies of the woman, 
their tears flowed freely for others' griefs, while they bore 
their own with a fortitude which none but a woman could 
exercise. The entire education of her children devolved on 
the mother ; and notwithstanding the difficulties to be encoun- 
tered, she did not allow them to grow up wholly without 
instruction, but, amidst all her numerous cares, taught them 
to read and instructed them in the principles of Christianity. 
To accomplish this, under the circumstances, was no easy 
task. The exciting influences which surrounded them made 
the boys restless under restraint. Familiarized, as they were, 
to hardships from the cradle, and daily listening to stories of 
Indian massacres and depredations, and to the heroic exploits 
of some neighboring pioneer who had taken an Indian scalp, 
or, by some daring effort, had saved his own ; ignorant of the 
sports' and toys with which children, in other circumstances, 
are wont to be amused, no wonder they desired to emulate the 
soldiers or engage in the scarcely less exciting adventures of 
the hunter. Yet even many of these boys were subdued by 
the faithfulness of the mother, who labored to bring them up 
in the fear of God. 



4-Q CONTRAST WITH PRESENT TIMES. 

If the reader would reflect upon the difficulties of emigra- 
tion at that early day and those of the present, he must cast 
his eyes upon the rugged mountain steeps, then an almost 
unbroken and trackless -wilderness, haunted by all sorts of wild 
and fierce beasts and poisonous reptiles. He must then 
observe that the hand of civilization has since crossed them 
by the smooth waters of canals, or the gentle and even 
ascents of turnpikes and railroads, and strewed them thick 
with the comforts of life. He may then have a faint idea of 
the difference of the journey ; and as to the difference of 
living after removal then and now, let him consider that then 
almost every article of convenience and subsistence must be 
brought with them, — or rather could neither be brought nor 
procured, — and must necessarily be erased from the vocabu- 
lary of housekeeping. Let him think what has since been 
done by the power of steam in ascending almost to the very 
sources of the various ramifications of our rivers, carrying 
all the necessaries and many of the luxuries of life, and 
depositing them at points easy of access to almost every new 
settler ; and he will see that if settling is now difficult, it was 
distressing then. When he further reflects upon the abundant 
and overflowing products of the West, compared with the 
absence of agriculture, arts, and manufactures in those early 
days, and now that not only our largest rivers and gigantic lakes, 
but the ocean itself, by the power of increased science, are 
all converted into mere ferries, he will at once conclude that 
the emigrants to Liberia, New Holland, Oregon, or California, 
can know nothing of privation compared with the pioneers 
of the West. If poverty or suffering exist, benevolence seeks 
it out and relieves it, whether it be far off or near, whether 
in Greece or the islands of the sea. 



COMMERCE OF THE WEST. 47 



COMMERCE OF THE AVEST. 

HORSE-PACKING — ITS TERMINATION — EMIGRATION TO KEN- 
TUCKY — MARKET TO NEW ORLEANS — DANGERS AND DIFFICUL- 
TIES OP THE TRAIL TO NEW ORLEANS. 

When our emigrants had struggled through the first sum- 
mer, and the Indians had returned to their homes, the leading 
men set about supplying the settlements with salt and iron. 
These indispensable articles could only be obtained east of 
the mountains, at some point accessible by wagons from a 
sea-port. Winchester and Chambersburg were salt depots. 
One man and one or more boys were selected from each neigh- 
borhood to take charge of the horses which the settlers turned 
into the common concern. Each horse was provided with a 
pack-saddle, a halter, a lash-rope to secure the load, and suf- 
ficient feed for twenty days, a part of which was left on the 
mountains for a return supply. The owner of each horse 
provided the means of purchasing his own salt. A substitute 
for cash was found in skins, furs, and ginseng ; all of which 
were in demand east of the mountains. With these articles, 
and a supply of provisions for the journey, they set out, after 
selecting a captain for the company. Notwithstanding the 
fatigues to be endured, (the entire return journey having to be 
performed on foot), no office was ever sought with more impor- 
tunity than was this by the boys who were old enough to be 
selected on this expedition. Not only salt, but merchandise, 
for the supply of the country west of the mountains, was 
principally carried on pack-horses until after 1788.* It was 
necessary to balance the loads with great care in order to 
preserve the backs of the horses from injury. If well broke 
to packing, they would travel twenty-five miles a-day. 

* Packing continued to be an important business in Kentucky until 
1795. The merchants of that State, for mutual convenience and pro- 
tection, each provided with as many horses and drivers as his business 
required, repaired to the place of rendezvous, organized themselves, 



48 MIGRATING SPIRIT INCREASED. 

After the iBrst peace with the Indians, this mode of impor- 
tation ceased ; and the packers who had been the lions of the 
daj, were succeeded by still greater lions, the Ice el-boatmen, 
who will be noticed hereafter. 

Emigration continued to Western Pennsylvania. Even the 
most exposed districts increased in population, and many of 
the emigrants of 1785 and '86, were what was then con- 
sidered rich. They introduced into the country large stocks 
of cattle, sheep, and hogs, cleared large farms, built grist and 
saw-mills, and gave employment to many poor settlers. But 
notwithstanding the brightening prospects, the healthy climate 
and good soil, many of the settlers became restless and dis- 
satisfied with their location, which they believed inferior to 
Kentucky, or some other country still further off in the West. 
Numbers sold their improvements in the fall of 1786, and 
prepared for descending the Ohio, with their families, in the 
spring. The various hardships which they had encountered 
in providing a home for their families, seemed to increase 
their enterprise, and to inspire them with a desire of new 
adventures. Their anticipated home was as much exposed to 
the tomahawk, as the one which they were about to leave ; 
besides, the hazard of descending the river 500 miles in a 
flat-boat was very great. The capture of the boats and the 
destruction of whole families frequently occurred. But these 
dangers did not lessen the tide of emigration which set down 

appointed officers, and adopted regulations for their government. 
Every man was well armed, provisioned, and furnished with camp 
equipage. The expedition was conducted on militai-y principles. The 
time and place of stopping and starting were settled by the officers, and 
sentries always watched by night. This company of merchants carried 
to the East, furs, peltries, ginseng, flax, linen cloth, and specie (the latter 
obtained from New Orleans in exchange for tobacco, corn and whiskey). 
These articles obtained a ready sale in Philadelphia or Baltimore for 
dry-goods, groceries, and hardware, including bar-iron and copper for 
stills. These caravans could transport many tons of goods, and, when 
an-anged by experienced hands, the goods would be delivered without 
injury in Kentucky. 



ERECTION OF MILLS — TRADE TO N. ORLEANS. 49 

the river from 1786 to 1795. Few of these emigrants were 
well to live. They had sold their land in Pennsylvania for a 
small sum which they received in barter, generally in copper 
for stills, which was in great demand. A good still of one 
hundred gallons would purchase two hundred acres of land, 
even within ten miles of Pittsburg, and in Kentucky could 
be exchanged for a much larger tract. 

The erection of mills gave a great impulse to the industry 
of the settlers of Western Pennsylvania. New Orleans fur- 
nished a good market for all the flour, bacon, and whiskey, 
which the upper country could furnish ; and those who, in 
1784, had suffered for want of provisions, in 1790 became 
exporters. 

The trade to New Orleans, like every enterprise of the day, 
was attended with great hardship and hazard. The right 
bank of the Ohio, for hundreds of miles, was alive with hostile 
Indians. The voyage was performed in flat-boats, and occu- 
pied from four to six months. Several neighbors united their 
means in building the boat, and in getting up the voyage : 
some giving their labor, and others furnishing materials. 
Each put on board his own produce at his own risk, and one 
of the owners always accompanied the boat, as captain and 
supercargo. A boat of ordinary size required about six hands, 
each of whom generally received about sixty dollars a trip, 
on his arrival at New Orleans. They returned either by sea 
to Baltimore, when they would be within 300 miles of homOj 
or more generally through the wilderness, a distance of about 
2000 miles. A large number of these boatmen were brought 
together at New Orleans. Their journey home could not be 
made in small parties, as they carried large quantities of 
specie, and the road was infested by robbers. The outlaws 
and fugitives from justice from the States resorted to this 
road. Some precautionary arrangements were necessary. 
The boatmen who preferred returning through the wilderness, 
organized an^ selected their officers. These companies some- 
times numbered several hundred, and a great proportion of 
4 



50 THE KEEL-BOATMEN AND THEIR CHARACTER. 

them were armed. They were provided with mules to carry 
the specie and provisions, and some spare ones for the sick. 
Those who were able purchased mules or Indian ponies for 
their use ; but few could afford to ride. As the journey was 
usually performed after the sickly season commenced, and the 
first six or seven hundred miles was through a flat, unhealthy 
country, with bad water, the spare mules were early loaded 
with the sick. There was a general anxiety to hasten through 
this region of malaria. Officers would give up their horses 
to the sick, companions would carry them forward as long as 
their strength enabled ; but although everything was done for 
their relief which could be done without retarding their 
journey, many died on the way, or were left to the care of 
the Indian or hunter who had settled on the road. Many 
who survived an attack of fever and reached the healthy 
country of Tennessee, were long recovering sufficient strength 
to resume their journey home. One would suppose that men 
would be reluctant in engaging in a service so perilous to 
health and life, without extraordinary compensation. But 
such were the love of adventure, and recklessness of danger, 
prevalent with western young men, that there was no lack of 
hands. The sight of 50 Spanish dollars in the hands of a 
returned boatman was a powerful incentive to those who, 
perhaps, never had a dollar of their own. 

But we hasten to introduce to the reader some account of 
the first minister of the gospel who fell in the battle-field of 
Christian conflict in the West, and found the first minister's 
grave in the Valley of the Mississippi. 



LIFE AND TIMES 



HEY. JOSEPH SMITH, 



ONE OF THE EIRST MINISTERS OE WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 



To be employed as instruments in laying the foundations 
of flourishing States and well-regulated kingdoms, has ever 
been regarded as securing a just passport to honor and 
renown. There is another achievement that claims a niche 
not much lower in the temple of fame, and, doubtless, in 
many instances, will reach a still higher place in the temple 
not made with hands. A right direction given to commu- 
nities in the early stages of their formation, as to the stand- 
ard of public and private morals, and the prevalent tone of 
religious sentiment, especially when those communities are 
destined to germinate into mighty and wide-spread republics, 
is a work not likely to be entrusted by Divine Providence to 
ordinary men, and seldom achieved by ordinary hands. It is 
not always easy to settle this question of precedence between 
those who have secured for their country Magna Chartas and 

* In the preparation of this paper, we have been essentially aided by 
the Kev. Dr. Elliott, who kindly furnished several facts and incidents 
in addition to those supplied by his biographical notice of the subject 
of this memoir, appended to his valuable " Life of Macurdy." We are 
also indebted to the Rev. Dr. William Wylie, for a number of anecdotes 
and dates ; some things, also, we gathered from aged persons living in 
the bounds of Cross creek, and Buffalo, and from others in Ohio. 

51 



52 LIFE AND TIMES OF THE 

free constitutions, and those who have trained a people to 
become capable and worthy of enjoying such blessings. Who 
will say that the old English barons in Runnymede did more 
for British freedom than Cranmer, and Knox, and their com- 
peers ? or that Lord Somers, regarded as the main instrument 
in securing the present English constitutional government, 
was a greater benefactor to his race than Robinson, ft^e hum- 
ble minister of the exiles in Holland, who aided in training 
and sending forth the first race of noble pilgrims that landed 
on Plymouth Rock ? However such respective claims to the 
grateful remembrance of posterity may be settled, surely we 
cannot regard without special interest the work of those who 
were first employed in sowing the seed of the kingdom in this 
mighty republic. And if, as is commonly believed, the vast 
Valley of the Mississippi,* soon about to possess the majority 
of our population, will control the destinies of this land, and 
if we believe that the religion of the Bible alone can save our 
land from utter anarchy, and moral desolation and ruin, is 
there not an interest of a peculiar character attached to the 
self-denying toils, and struggles, and dangers of those who 
were first honored as instruments in difi"using that religion in 
the western world — an interest scarcely yielding to that with 
which we invest the character and work of M'Kemie, and 
Andrews, and their associates ? 

That portion of the Valley of the Mississippi which was 
first yielded up by the aboriginal tribes to the settlement and 
home of the Anglo-Saxon race, and which has been the most 
abundant hive for other sections of the West, is Western 
Pennsylvania. For, after the encroachments of the French 
and their Indian allies were successfully repelled, and the 
treaty of peace, signed at Fontainbleau, November 3d, 1762, 
secured to the British crown this long-disputed section of the 
West, emigrants from Eastern Pennsylvania, Virginia, Scot- 

* This phrase is often, perhaps most frequently, used to denote that 
portion of North America whose waters are drained by the Mississippi, 
and not merely the region bordering that river. 



REV. JOSEPH SMITH. 53 

land, and the North of Ireland, began to pour in, and, in the 
course of twelve or fifteen years, formed extensive settlements 
through what now constitutes the counties of Fayette, West- 
moreland, Indiana, Allegheny, Greene, and Washington. 
For a considerable time, there was no settled ministry of the 
gospel, seldom even a missionary, among them. Yet a large 
proportion of these early pioneers were the children of the 
Church. They had been baptised, and brought up in its 
bosom ; and some of them had, previous to their emigration, 
entered' its communion. For a few years their situation was 
critical and perilous in the extreme. Had their religious 
interests fallen into unfaithful or incompetent hands, or had 
they been even a little longer neglected, to all human appear- 
ance the result must have been of fearful moment to them- 
selves and their posterity. But God had purposes of mercy 
for these offspring of his people. He was at this very time 
preparing a class of no ordinary men^ to enter this field, and 
lay the foundation of our western Zion, that vast building that 
is still rising higher and higher, and that our children's chil- 

* The following quotations from Doddridge's " Notes on the Life and 
Manners of the first Western Settlers," seem not out of place here. 
This Mr. Doddridge was an Episcopal clergyman, and a brother of the 
late distinguished Philip Doddridge, Esq., a member of Congress from 
Western Virginia. These " Notes" were published in a small volume, 
many years ago ; but I quote from them as I find them in the Appendix 
to Kircheval's History of the Valley of Virginia, chapter 31, page 403. 
" The ministry of the gospel has contributed, no doubt immensely, to 
the happy change which has been effected in the state of our western 
society. At an early period of our settlements, three Presbyterian 
clergymen commenced their clerical labors in our infant settlements — 
the Rev. Joseph Smith, the Rev. John M'Millan, and the Rev. James 
Power. They were pious, patient, laborious men, who collected their 
people into regular congregations, and did for them all that their cir- 
cumstances would allow. It was no disparagement to them that their 
first churches were the shady groves, and their first pulpits a kind of 
tent, constructed of a few rough slabs, and covered with clapboards. 
He who dwelleth not exclusively in temples made with hands, was 
propitious to their devotions," 



64 LIFE AND TIMES OF THE 

dren will not see completed. Within the compass of three or 
four years, James Finlej, James Power, John M'Millan, 
Joseph Smith, Thaddeus Dod, and J. Clarke, all were found 
at their stations in this singularly important field. Some of 
them had been out in the new settlements for a few months as 
missionaries, and then returned to their eastern homes or 
churches. Indeed, as to full pastoral and ministerial work, 
they almost entered abreast upon the mighty harvest. Every 
one of those named above, deserves an extended memoir. 
We select, for our first biographical notice, the fourth name 
in the list ; not because it designates the first laborer in the 
vineyard, but because, with the exception of Mr. Finley and 
Mr. Clarke, he was the oldest, and, without exception, the 
earliest called to his rest, and perhaps the mightiest of them 
all in wielding the sword of the Spirit. But few fragments 
of reminiscences can now be gathered of this race of ministers. 
The motto of England's greatest Chancellor, "prodesse po- 
tius quam conspici," seems to have been theirs, and of none 
of them more than of the subject of this paper. In Dr. 
Hodge's Constitutional History of the Presbyterian Church, 
vol. ii., p. 343, it is stated, " In 1769, John M'Creary and 
Joseph Smith were added to the roll (of the 'Presbytery of 
New Castle). Both of these were distinguished men. The 
latter, pre-eminent for piety and energy, was one of the 
fathers of our Church in Western Pennsylvania." 

This devoted servant of God, Mr. Smith,was born in 1736, 
in Nottingham, Maryland, not far from the Susquehanna 
river. His father's farm was on the road leading from that 
river to Wilmington, Delaware, near what is called the Rising 
Sun. His parents were natives of England, professors of 
religion, and regarded as very pious and exemplary persons. 
Of his early education, and of his first religious exercise of 
mind, nothing is known. It would appear that he-sras out 
of his minority when he turned his thoughts towards the 
scholastic preparation which was required for entering the 
gospel ministry. For, as he graduated at Princeton in 1764, 



REV. JOSEPH SMITH. 55 

he was then 28 years of age. Nassau Hall, our first colle- 
giate Presbyterian school of the prophets, was then enjoying 
the presidency of Dr. Samuel Finley, to whose saintly piety, 
and triumphant death, the eloquent pen of Dr. John M. 
Mason has given a world-wide fame. His name is attached 
to Mr. Smith's diploma.* At Drawyers, August 5th, 1767, 
Mr. Smith was licensed by the Presbytery of New Castle, to 
preach the gospel. No information has been obtained as to 
his theological training. He appears to have acquired con- 
siderable knowledge of the original languages of Scripture. 
The Hebrew Bible, the Greek Testament, Leigh's Critica 
Sacra, and Pool's Synopsis, were his companions during his 
subsequent life. On the 20th of October, 1768, he dccepte'd 
a call from the congregation of Lower Brandywine, and 
was ordained and installed their pastor, April 19th, 1769. 
He had married Miss Esther Cummins, daughter of William 
Cummins, merchant, of Cecil County, Maryland, a short time 
before he was licensed. However questionable the wisdom 
of this order of events in a minister's history in most cases, 
we can hardly doubt that in the case of Mr. Smith, then 

* We give the old ante-Revolutionary form, with all the signatures, 
as a literary curiosity, in the follovring exact copy of Mr. Smith's 
Diploma. 

" Praeses et Curatores, — Collegii Neo-Caesariensis, — Omnibus et 
Singulis has literas lecfcuris: Salutem in Domino. 

" Notum sit quod nobis placet, Auctoritate regio Diplomate commissa, 
JosepJmm Smith, Candidatum primum in Artibus Gradum competentem 
Examine Sufficiente prime approbatum, titulo, graduque artium libera- 
lium Baccalaurei adornare. Cujus Sigillum commune Collegii Neo- 
Caesariensis huic membranae affixum, Nominaque nostra subscripta 
Testimonium sint. 

Samuel Finley, D.D. Praeses. 
Datum in Aula Nassovica Gulielmus Tennent, 



Sexto Calendas Octobris Richardus Treat, 

Anno Mrae Christi Guliel, P. Smith, 

Millesimo Septingentesimo Saml, WooDRurr, 

Sexagesimo quarto. Johans. Brainard, 

ROBERTUS OgDEN, 



r s 



56 LIFE AND TIMES OF THE 

nearly, if not quite, thirty years of age, it was not veri^ 
unsafe or imprudent. His wife was a lady of remarkable 
piety, intelligence, and refinement of manners, and proved to 
be a help-meet, indeed, till the day of his death, surviving 
him more than twenty years. 

Difficulties having sprung up in the congregation relative 
to the site of a church, the pastoral relation between him and 
that people was dissolved on the 26th of August, 1772. At 
the same meeting of the Presbytery, he received a call from 
the congregations of Rocky Creek and Long Cane, South 
Carolina. It is not improbable that he had visited some of 
the southern churches, soon after he was licensed, by appoint- 
ment of his presbytery, or of his synod, just as Dr. Power 
and Dr. M'Millan, afterwards his fellow-laborers and co-pres- 
byters in the West, are reported to have done, when licentiates 
of the same Presbytery. This call from the South he declined, 
and accepted an appointment as a supply to his former con- 
gregation for one year. About this time he began to preach 
in Wilmington, Delaware. This proved the occasion of great 
dissension among the people, as the Rev. William M'Kennan 
was already preaching in that place. After a season of much 
excitement, during which various petitions and remonstrances 
were carried up lo the Presbytery on the subject, that body, 
on the 12th of August, 1773, put into his hands a call from 
the Second Church of Wilmington. This action of the 
Presbytery seems clearly to exonerate the subject of this 
sketch from any blame or censure in his course at Wilmington. 
This very significant call he held in his hands till the fall of 
the next year. In the meantime, this congregation of Wil- 
mington having united with that of Lower Brandywine, in 
seeking his pastoral labors, he accepted this united call, and 
became their pastor, October 27th, 1774. In these churches 
he labored until April 29th, 1778, when, at his request, the 
pastoral relation was dissolved. In the minutes of the Pres- 
bytery, it is added, " by reason of the difficult state of our 
public afi'airs." This expression alludes to the distracted 



KEV. JOSEPH SMITH. 5T 

State of the country, and especially of that part of Delaware, 
being then involved in some of the most harassing and bloody 
scenes of the Revolutionary war. Some time in the prece- 
ding August, General Howe had landed a formidable British 
army, at the head of Elk river. On the 11th of September, 
General Washington, with the American forces then under 
his command, met his country's foes near the Brandywine, 
which stream has given its name to that memorable battle. 
The fearful cannonading on that field of slaughter was dis- 
tinctly heard in the comparatively neighboring town of Wil- 
mington, and perhaps shook many a window there on that 
day. Mrs. Smith who was in very feeble health at the time, 
soon after gave birth to their fourth child. The nervous 
excitement produced by the roar of the cannon, and its horrid 
associations, threatened to prove fatal to both mother and 
child; but they were mercifully preserved, the mother to 
sustain and increase the usefulness of her husband while he 
lived ; the feeble infant, prematurely born, to become, in 
future years, the wife of one minister, and the mother of 
another. 

Soon after these events, Mr. Smith, urged, no doubt, by an 
imperative sense of duty, as a husband, parent and minister, 
retired with his family into the Barrens of York, a district 
of country now, perhaps, partly included in Adams County. 
Here he resided for a little more than a year; but it was a 
memorable year in his history, as will presently appear. For 
some time he preached the gospel with great success, " in the 
region round about." Though he had no thought of remain- 
ing there, he labored as incessantly as though it were his 
chosen field for life, and his ministry was abundantly fruitful. 
One of his neighbors and spiritual children had recently 
married, and returned home late in the week with his young 
wife. Several of his neighbors, with their wives, much to the 
annoyance of the young man, paid them a complimentary 
call on the Sabbath day, just as they were preparing to set 
out for the church, which was quite near. These unseason- 



§8 LIFE AND TIMES OF THE 

able visitants were Quakers. The young man succeeded, 
however, in persuading them to go with him to hear their new 
minister, Mr. Smith, of whom he gave them such an account 
as to awaken their curiosity. The result was the hopeful 
conversion of several of the party. 

Early in the following spring, Mr. Smith paid a short visit 
to Western Pennsylvania. The Rev. John M'Millan had 
removed, with his family, to that region a few months before. 
The Rev. James Power had already been residing there since 
the fall of 1776. How far his mind was influenced by his 
intercourse or correspondence with them, is not now known. 
Before this great event of his life, however, he w^as called to 
experience a severe preparatory trial. He was taken sick, 
and lay for some time under the pressure of a severe and 
dangerous fever, at the point of death. The people met, as 
they were wont, in a large barn, to hold their prayer meeting, 
on a Sabbath day. Tidings came that there was scarcely a 
hope of his recovery. It was requested that prayer should 
be offered in his behalf. The first man who led in their 
devotions, forgot his case, the second said but little, and so, 
the third. His friend, James Edgar, then a young man, 
afterwards distinguished for his piety, his usefulness, and his 
great influence, both in church and state, in Western Penn- 
sylvania, was at that prayer meeting ; he left it, with agonized 
feelings, to repair to the house of Mr. Smith, and to see him, 
as he feared on his deathbed. As he approached the house, 
he met an old lady, who was considered among them a mother 
in Israel. Mr. Edgar eagerly asked her about Mr. Smith. 
"He is worse," said she. Mr. Edgar's heart sunk within 
him.' "But," added she, "he will not die, for the Lord hath 
told me to-day, that he will raise him up, and send him out 
to the West, to preach the gospel." This she uttered with 
great confidence and vivacity. Soon after this, and wliile 
Judge Edgar was still sitting by the bedside of Mr. Smith, 
a manifest change took place in the appearance and symptoms 
of his beloved minister, and he began to recover rapidly from 



REV. JOSEPH SMITH. 50 

that hour. We mention this singular, but well-attested fact, 
and the remarkable language of the old lady, -without com- 
ment, only observing, that however it may have an air of 
fanaticism, it seems to illustrate a feature of the religious 
character and sentiment of those days, not unlike those of 
the old Puritans and Scottish Reformers. In D'Aubigne's 
Life of Cromwell, the reader will find some very just and 
scriptural views on this subject. In the case above stated, 
we suppose this lady did not mean, nor did Mr. Edgar so 
understand her, that she had any express revelation from 
heaven, but only a strong and firm persuasion from the 
liberty and enlargement of soul she enjoyed, in pouring out 
her heart for her minister at the feet of her Saviour. 

In this connexion, it may be proper to mention, that shortly 
before their removal from Wilmington, as Mr. Smith and his 
wife were returning from an evening walk, about sundown, 
in the outskirts of the town, and near an adjoining wood, 
they both distinctly heard strains of sweet and melodious 
music over the tops of the trees, that seemed to them to rise 
and float away into the distant skies. They listened to it for 
some minutes. They often spoke of it, especially Mrs. Smith, 
but rather confidentially : she was far from being a weak or 
superstitious woman. Whatever might have been the cause 
or source of this music, conveyed, possibly, by some peculiar 
law of acoustics, from a distant band in the British or Ame- 
rican camp, similar to that which has been noticed at a point 
oiF the coast of Rio Janeiro, where the sound of bells and 
of music from the city, though out of sight, is distinctly 
heard — however we may account for it, why may we not 
regard it as under a special providential direction, and de- 
signed, as we have no doubt it served, to encourage and cheer 
them in the prospect of setting out, at no distant day, with 
their family of helpless children, to the wilds of Western 
Pennsylvania ? * In this sickness, from which he was raised 

* We are surprised to find so excellent a writer as Dr. Mosheim 
Bpeaking rather sneeringly of 'Hhe pious sort of mistake" that the 



60 LIFE AND TIMES OF THE 

up from the very jaws of death, he doubtless received a fresh 
baptism of divine influence, designed to prepare him for his 
future work. His illness, from some of the circumstances 
mentioned, must have been in the summer or fall of 1778. 

Early in the following spring, in April, 1779, we find him 
in Western Pennsylvania, on a short visit, where he labored 
for a few weeks in a part of what is now Washington County, 
then quite a frontier settlement. After remaining for some 
time breaking to these people in the wilderness the bread of 
life, he returned, and soon a call was sent after him to his 
Presbytery. This call is dated June 21st, 1779, and is a 
remarkable document. The following is an accurate copy : 

A call from the United Congregations at Buffalo and Cross Creek, to 
the Rev. Joseph Smith, a member of the Presbytery of New Castle. 

Worthy and Dear Sir, — Having, under the direction 
of Divine Providence, been removed into this new country 
where the blessing of the gospel has never been enjoyed in 
the stated ordinances, or but seldom ; but being of late favored 
with an opportunity of hearing you, reverend sir, to our 
satisfaction, and we trust the edification of our souls ; we do 
unanimously agree to invite, beseech, and pray you to take 
the pastoral care, under God, of our souls. For encourage- 
ment we do promise, if you should accept of this our call, to 
yield all due subjection in the Lord, by regularly attending 
on the Word preached, and ordinances administered by you, 
and by endeavoring to improve them, through divine grace, 
for the edification of our souls ; and by submission to the 
due exercise of discipline, if our faults should at any time 
deserve censure. And that you may be free from the incum- 
brances of the world, so as to attend upon your ministry, we 
do promise you a competency of the good things of this life, 

Christians made ; he, considering the shower, as he calls it, which rescued 
the Roman army from destruction, a mere happy coincidence, and not 
any special interposition of Divine Providence, in ansvFcr to the prayers 
of Christian soldiers. See Mos. Eccl. Hist. 2d Cent. p. 1. ch. i. 



REV. JOSEPH SMITH. 61 

■with whicli God has blessed us ; particularly we promise to 
pay yearly and every year, during your incumbency among 
us, the sum of one hundred and fifty pounds, Pennsylvania 
currency (money equal in value to what it was in the year 
1774), viz. : seventy-five pounds from each congregation — 
they employing your ministerial labors equally. 

And now, reverend sir, when we consider the great loss 
youth sustain, by growing up without the stated means of 
grace ; the formality likely to spread over the aged, and the 
great danger of ungodliness prevailing amongst both : there 
being divers denominations of people among us who hold dan- 
gerous principles, tending to mislead many weak and ignorant 
people : we cannot but renew our earnest entreaties that you 
would accept this our hearty call. That the Glorious Head 
of the Church may direct you to what may be most for his 
glory, and your future comfort and usefulness — is the earnest 
prayer of your humble suppliants. 

We, the inhabitants of the upper and lower congregations 
of Cross Creek, do promise to pay or cause to be paid unto 
the Rev. Joseph Smith, annually, during his regular incum- 
bency among us as a gospel minister, the several sums annexed 
to our names, respectively : and whereas money is become of 
less value, and every article has arisen to an extravagant 
price : therefore we do hereby agree that the said sums shall 
be annually regulated by five men, chosen in each congrega- 
tion ; and be made equal in value to what the said sums would 
have been in the year 1774.* 

Witness our hands, June 21, 1779. 

* The depreciation of the paper currency, or continental money, had, 
in 1779, become a very serious burden to the people ; and all over the 
country, great ingenuity was exercised to discover a remedy. Embar- 
goes, commercial restrictions, tender laws, and limitations of prices were 
all tried — but in vain. Prices still sank. " I had money enough, some 
time ago," said a merchant of those times, " to buy a hogshead of sugar: 
I sold it again, and got a great deal more money than it cost me ; yet, 
when I went to market again, the money would not get me a tierce. 1 
sold that too, at a great profit ; yet the money received would only buy 



62 LIFE AND TIMES OF THE 

Then follow six columns of names, amounting to 204 : and 
the amount of their subscriptions is .£197 5s. 6d. : thus abun- 
dantly exceeding the amount (£150) promised in the call. It 
is evident that they followed no special form in the construc- 
tion of this paper ; and the uniting of the call and the sub- 
scription paper into one document, gives it quite an original 
character. We need hardly say that there are some passages 
in this call of a most solemn and touching character. Alto- 
gether, it is a curious original paper, evincing great ability 
and fervent piety. Most probably, it was drawn up by Judge 
Edgar ; though of that we have no direct evidence. It ap- 
pears also that a call was sent to him from Peter's Creek ; 
but on the 27th of October, 1779, he signified to the Presby- 
tery his acceptance of the call to Cross Creek and Buffalo ; 
and the next year, 1780, moved into the bounds of the latter, 
and became, in due time, their regular pastor. Here he spent 
the remainder of his life — twelve years. 

Mr. Edgar, of whom we have already spoken, had removed 
also into Cross Creek congregation, a year or some months 
before, and became one of his most eflScient elders. Perhaps 
no pastor was ever more blessed with a bench of devotedly 
pious elders, than was Mr. Smith. They were indeed men 
"mighty in prayer." Sustained by such men, and by a re- 
markably praying people,* he was "instant in season and out 

a barrel. I have now more money than ever ; yet I am not so rich as 
when I had less." — Hist. Pitts., p. 145. 

* It is said that through the summer, during the interval of public 
worship, you could stray in no direction through the surrounding forest, 
without hearing the voice of secret prayer ; and if you would return to 
the church, you could hear the low sound of a whisper from the pulpit, 
where the pastor, who seldom came out of it during such intervals, was 
likewise wrestling with the angel of the covenant. This fact has been 
attested by several unquestionable witnesses. The Rev. Dr. James Her- 
vey, some years ago, stated to the Synod of Wheeling, that when a very 
small boy, he one Sabbath, during " intermission," being near the door 
of Mr. Smith's church, went in. The house was vacated, but he heard 
Mr. S. engaged in prayer in the pulpit ; and it gave him an awful and 



REV. JOSEPH SMITH. 63 

of season." A revival of religion soon began, which never 
ceased till the day of his death, and for some years after — a 
revival of twelve or fifteen years ! Incredible as this may 
now appear, there are still living credible and intelligent wit- 
indelible impression of the presence of God filling the house. This was 
the first deqp and abiding awakening of his conscience. Mr. S. had 
indeed, from an early period of his labors, a race of " wrestling Jacobs," 
and " mothers in Israel," that we fear cannot be easily found now. 
The eminent piety of a large number of Western Presbyterians is afi'ec- 
tionately remembered by thousands of their descendants to this day. 
When, more than thirty years ago, we read in Dr. Miller's sermon, 
preached at the ordination of the late lamented Dr. Nevins, of Balti- 
more, some remarks about cities tending to produce intensity of charac- 
ter, and therefore favorable to the production of the most eminent piety, 
we hesitated, and we hesitate still, to give an unqualified assent to his 
views. A distinguished minister of our Church (the late Dr. Mathews, 
of the New Albany Theological Seminary) remarked to us, after reading 
Dr. Miller's statements, that the pious John Newton seemed to differ 
from him ; for he had said, somewhere in his works, that were Great 
Britain searched, by an angel, for the most pious person, he would pos- 
sibly find that person an old woman, sitting at her spinning-wheel in 
some retired corner of the kingdom. It often occurred to us to ask 
when and where do we find the brightest monuments of holiness. Who 
and what was Enoch, " who walked with God?" Who were Abraham, 
Isaac, and Jacob ? and where did they dwell ? It will be remembered 
also that God chose for his covenanted people, a pastoral and agricul- 
tural life. The whole genius of the Mosaic institutions, as Michaelis 
has clearly shown, was designed to make and keep the Jews a rural 
people. [A pastoral and agricultural people; not strictly a rural people, 
in the modern sense of the term.] It is a natural inference that such a 
state is on the whole most favorable to piety. Who also were the Wal- 
denses, and where did they live ? The history of the Culdees of Scot- 
land and Ireland may likewise be cited for illustration. And the more 
modern history of the Covenanters and of the Huguenots through the 
South of France, will, perhaps, occur to many as furnishing materials 
for a decision on this point. But our own country has had many illus- 
trious proofs of a deep and fervent piety, that never drew any aid from 
the busy haunts of men. In Virginia are many rural spots, for ever 
sacred to the memory of those who lived near to God, and " quite on 
the verge of heaven." But without designing any invidious comparison, 
I would select the early race of Western Presbyterians, as presenting 



64 LIFE AND TIMES OF THE 

nesses of that fact. It is true there were periods of compara- 
tive declension ; but during all this time, scarcely one Sab- 
bath occurred when some new cases of conviction or conver- 
sion did not become known. And this, too, in the midst of 
the trials and perils of frontier life, when they were often in 
imminent danger from savage foes — when, sometimes, they 
were compelled to retire to forts or block-houses ^'to protect 
themselves from the merciless tomahawk. Sometimes a fresh 
outpouring of the Spirit would take place, while they were 
actually gathered in Fort Vance, to shelter themselves from 
some new invasion of the Indians. But these troubles were 
not very frequent, nor of long continuance. 

It was a remarkable circumstance, that between Mr. 
Smith's congregations and the Ohio, and along up and down 
the river, for thirty or forty miles, there was early settled, or 
" squatted" rather, a peculiar population, many of them from 
Eastern Virginia — well suited, from their habits and training 
as hunters, and from their adoption of Indian modes of war- 
fare, to fight with the savages, and to act as a life-guard, as 
a protecting cordon, to Mr. S.'s people and the interior set- 
tlements. Here were the Wetzells, the Bradys, and the 

complete proofs that cities are not necessary to produce intensity of 
Christian character. Martin Luther used to say that his three masters 
were Prayer, Meditation, and Temptation. All these were the masters, 
in an eminent degree, of our first ministers and their people in Western 
Pennsylvania. The piety in our city churches may be eminent: the 
advantages for cultivating it and for calling it into habitual and health- 
ful action are certainly great. Christians in cities, by constant inter- 
course, too, may be much benefited. The habitual exercise of pious 
sentiments and afiections, adorned by social refinement, and an easy, 
graceful familiarity with all the conventionalities of city life, may throw 
a peculiar sweetness and charm around the person and character; 
especially in the view of those who have themselves lived in cities, and 
whose refined taste would be often scandalized by the unpolished rough- 
ness of rural life. The apostolic piety of Mr. Smith, and many of his 
people, constitutes, at any rate, an eminent illustration of what the 
great Reformer's three masters would do, in training a people for 
heaven, amidst the toils and perils of frontier life. 



REV. JOSEPH SMITH. 65 

Poes, and other names that figure in all the narratives of 
early western adventures. It is remarkable, by the way, that 
some of these famous frontier Nimrods signed the call to Mr. 
Smith — among others, the names of Andrew Poe and Adam 
Poe, each subscribing £1, are found. Thus God provided for 
his people a singular class of protectors, between them and 
the Indian settlements. 

A glorious work of grace began and long continued in that 
vineyard, which God had so strangely fenced around. The 
following extract from a letter of Judge Edgar to Mr. Leiper, 
dated Oct. 22, 1802, will be read with interest by many, and 
may here be appropriately introduced : 

" In April, in the year 1779, the Rev. Joseph Smith visited this coun 
try, and preached several times in the bounds of that which afterwards 
became formed into the congregations known by the names of Buffalo 
and Cross Creek. In June, a call was signed and sent down to the 
presbytery to him. That fall he accepted, and moved into them in 
December, 1780. In this winter, 1781-2, the Lord, by his Spirit, began 
to work. Attention and some serious thoughtfulness appeared among 
the people, in both congregations. The exercises of social prayer were 
attended to, in some parts. The summer of '82 was very remarkable. 
The gale increased. Many were under deep conviction of sin and 
danger until harvest, without much appearance of relief: few of the 
distressed had got relief; so that some of those that had religion for- 
merly, were made to lament that the children were come to the birth, 
but few or none bringing forth. Indeed, at this time the number of 
God's people were very few [of that description] tJiat knew anyiMng 
about the travail pains, or agonizing, that Christ might be formed in 
the souls of the distressed the hope of glory. However, a gracious God 
was pleased to discover his glory shining in the gospel, to many of the 
convinced, before the sacrament was administered, that fall ; which was 
the first time it was administered in these congregations. As well as I 
can recollect, about fifty in each congregation were added to the Church 
on that occasion, giving comfortable evidence of a work of grace on their 
hearts. .The most of them to this day continue on, though some few 
instances there are of falling back. The work rather increased for 
three years. At the sacrament in Cross Creek in May and June, 1787, 
it was perhaps the most remarkable. On Monday evening, the power 
of God appeared bowing many. The people did not all get away from 
the meeting-house green until long after night, and came back on Tues- 
5 



66 LIFE AND TIMES OF THE 

day. This was the most solemn day I had ever seen at this time, in the 
house of God. Yet there were not more than two or three instances of 
crying out aloud. I cannot say there was much decline appeared for 
six or seven years after the work began. Our dear pastor died on the 
19th of April, 1792. God continued his presence all that time, adding 
numbers to the Church every year." 

Besides Mr. Smith's abundant labors on the Sabbath, and 
his frequent preaching through the week, during particular 
seasons of spiritual harvest, he instituted, at his own house, a 
Wednesday evening prayer-meeting, to which persons would 
come from a distance of from three to fifteen miles. These 
meetings would sometimes extend to a late hour in the night. 
But no weariness nor drowsiness seemed to attend them. 
Many, now in heaven, will, perhaps, never forget those 
prayer-meetings. He was not a man of robust health. In 
person he was tall and slender, of fair complexion, of a slight 
look askance, of one eye. It will be remembered that this 
was a peculiarity of Whitefield, and that gave him increased 
power over his audience, as many thought he was looking 
directly at them. Whether this was the case with Mr. S., 
we have not understood. It is abundantly testified, however, 
that there was a piercing brilliancy about his eyes, when he 
became animated, that was peculiarly impressive. His dress 
was always neat and becoming. His voice was remarkable 
alike for the terrific and the pathetic, and, as Dr. Kirkland 
said of the celebrated Fisher Ames, " now like the thunder, 
and now like the music of heaven." When his theme was 
the terrors of the law, or the horrors of hell, or the glories of 
heaven, he appeared to many of his people as though he had 
just come from the spirit-land. " I never heard a man," 
said the Rev. Samuel Porter, "who could so completely unbar 
the gates of hell, and make me look so far dow^n into the dark 
bottomless *byss, or, like him, could so throw open the gates 
of heaven, and let me glance at the insufferable brightness of 
the great White Throne." His favorite subjects were the 
importance and necessity of regeneration, and the immediate 



REV. JOSEPH SMITH. 67 

necessity of faith in Jesus Christ. His ordinary manner of 
speaking had nothing of rhapsody in it. It was rather that 
of animated conversation. Indeed, his sermons were gene- 
rally written out with some degree of fulness. Many of the 
skeletoDS, which he used on ordinary occasions, are so well 
drawn out, that, with hut little addition, they would be fit for 
the press. He would often rise to an almost supernatural and 
unearthly grandeur, completely extinguishing in his hearers 
all consciousness of time and place, and verifying Cicero's 
strange description of the highest kind of eloquence — "ali- 
quid immensum, infinitum que." John Foster's account of the 
peculiar power of fascination which the celebrated Robert 
Hall could sometimes exert over his audience, has often remind- 
ed us of what our aged fathers have told us of Mr. Smith. 

When the above was written, six months ago, for the Pres- 
byterian Magazine, we felt apprehensive that it would be 
deemed an exaggerated and extravagant account of Mr. S. 
as a preacher. Two persons of highly cultivated minds, who 
had often heard him, have recently testified to us, after read- 
ing the foregoing remarks, that they altogether fall short of 
giving any conception of the peculiar power of Mr. Smith's 
eloquence. " It was altogether diiferent," said one of them, 
" from Dr. M'Millan's manner. Se was sometimes awfully 
solemn and impressive. But Mr. Smith's manner had a 
strange kind of power about-it, totally indescribable." "Nei- 
ther you nor any man on earth that never heard him," said 
the Rev. C. Dodd to us, " can form any idea of his wonderful 
power." "Permit me to say," says another aged servant of 
God, " I have formed an estimate of him higher than poste- 
rity, even his descendants, can form of him. Even if his 
sermons had been correctly written as they fell from his lips, 
they could not now be appreciated. And why ? Because 
neither the stenographer nor the printer has any types 
by which to express his tones, his emphasis, his holy unc- 
tion, the holy vitality of his soul. Who can now rightly 
appreciate the characters of Whitefield and the Tenants, by 



68 LIFE AND TIMES OF THE 

tlieir simple sermons, which have been printed? Printers 
have no types for souls. When Mr. Smith commenced his 
pulpit exercises, if his flight was upwards, he was immediately 
out of the sight of the growling critic, who became like the 
huntsman's dog, when he has lost the track ! Or when, 
arrayed with divine and awful majesty, he uncovered the 
bottomless and wide-extending pit of wo, whose billows of fire 
are ever lashed into fury by the almighty breath of an in- 
censed, slighted Saviour, the sinner lost his coat of mail, 
retreated in terror, or fell prostrate, imploring for mercy. 
Mr. Smith's mind was early disciplined by classical studies 
and collegiate drillings, so that, when his ardent soul became 
fledged with heaven's plumage, he was prepared to soar, with- 
out a seeming efibrt or premeditated measurements, above the 
flight of common minds. He never elaborated his sermons 
by logical, syllogistic formulas, or mere theological didactics. 
Every truth he presented had the perspicuity and force of an 
intuitive axiom, and conclusions were drawn by every listener ; 
so that the speaker would have lost time, and chilled the 
kindling flame, by the introduction of a "therefore," or a 
" quod erat demonstrandum." The traveller, in a tornado, 
is not occupied with the philosophy of pneumatics, nor the 
floundering mariner with the philosophy of the tides. Such 
was the condition of Christless sinners under the preaching 
of Mr. Smith. No doubt he was a classical scholar ; but the 
cold ratiocinations of logic — the crucibles of the chemist — the 
black-board and the chalk, were left far behind. His baptised 
soul had been led to that fountain whence all science flows. 
Nothing short of imperious necessity, and that for Christ's 
sake, could ever have nailed him to a common-school bench, 
or chained him to the presidential chair of a college." 
" When he was taken up from us, much of his spirit fell upon 
a Hughes, a Marquis, a Patterson, a M'Gready, a Brice, &c. 
But Smith was the giant ; and no one was found capable of 
putting on and wielding his whole armor."* 

* Kev. Dr. Lindley. 



REV. JOSEPH SMITH. 69 

Old Col. R. of Virginia, used to say that he liked that 
preacher best, who could make him wish that he could creep 
into an augur hole before the preacher was done. 

The celebrated Robert Morris, the great American finan- 
cier, who saved the credit of his country, and ruined his own, 
once told Dr. Rush that " he liked that kind of preaching 
that drives a man into a corner of his pew, and makes him 
think the devil is after him." He would have been delighted 
with Mr. Smith, ^ee Hazard's Register, vol. xii., p. 249. 

If it might be said that preaching was Mr. Smith's great 
forte, it is questionable whether his usefulness out of the pulpit 
was not even greater. He was a man of prayer, and often 
spent special seasons in that exercise. - It was not uncommon 
for him to rise in the night and engage in intercessory prayer 
for his people, and especially the youth of his congregation, 
and his own children. For this purpose, he kept a cloak at 
the foot of his bed, during cold weather, in readiness to throw 
around him when he wished to get on his knees. His wife 
and himself would often observe special fast days, for the con- 
version of their children. And they were almost all the 
subjects of Divine grace, while quite young. One of them, 
and it was the one born the day after the battle of Brandy- 
wine, was received into the fellowship of the Church at ten 
years of age. A large session, of unusual Christian expe- 
rience and discrimination, were unanimous in their vote, to 
receive her. He was faithful in catechising and conversing 
with his children. Sabbath evenings were generally spent in 
this way. Gathering them round the fireside after the usual 
recitation of the Shorter Catechism, he would talk most 
earnestly and afi'ectionately to them about the interests of 
their souls, and would sometimes close with solemn warnings, 
telling them that " he would take the stones of the chimney 
to witness against them," &c. Yet there was nothing severe 
or morose in his character. On the contrary, it was one of 
his peculiar excellencies, that he could win the friendship and 



70 LIFE AND TIMES OF THE 

affection not only of his own children, but of all the children 
and youth of his church. Some of them have testified that 
they were unconscious of the flight of time when Mr. Smith 
was among them. There was a peculiar charm about his 
cheerfulness and his talent for social intercourse with the 
young. He was seldom depressed or in low spirits. But this 
steady cheerfulness seemed to be fed by communion with God, 
and the hope of heaven. Praise generally employed his lips, 
when he first opened his eyes in the morning. He was fond 
of singing, and he loved to sing a verse or two before he rose. 
One of these verses was, 

" Ye little birds of heaven, 
On every bough that sing, 
Ye shame me vrith your early notes, 
"While on your morning wing." 

Another was 

"Not many suns shall set. 
Not many mornings rise. 
Till heaven unfold its glories all, 
To my admiring eyes." 

Yet though a cheerful, happy man, he had often his trials and 
sorrows. Besides those common to the lot of humanity, he 
and his family, in the earlier years of their western history, 
were sorely tried by frequent alarms about the Indians. At 
certain periods, he, in common with his people, when com- 
mitting themselves and their little ones at night, to the care 
of the Shephei'd of Israel, knew not but that before the 
morning's dawn, their cabin-houses might be wrapped in 
flames, and themselves massacred, or led off into captivity. 
On one occasion he had to bring a communion service, at 
King's Creek, to an abrupt close on the announcement of the 
approach of a body of Indians from the mouth of Mill Creek, 
to mount his horse, and with many of his people, bath men 
and women, to ride in haste, near twenty miles. Pecuniary 
embarrassments, which, no doubt, in a great measure proceeded 
from the perilous condition, or entire suspension of trade and 



EEV. JOSEPH SMITH. 71 

commerce, produced by these " forays" of the savages, pressed 
sorely upon Mr. Smith and his people. Here we cannot for- 
bear to introduce a very singular account of a providential 
interposition for the relief of Mr. Smith, at a very alarming 
crisis in his affairs, when his faith must have been greatly 
tried. In justice to the Eev. James W. Miller, to whom the 
public was indebted many years ago, for this statement, we 
will give the narrative in his own language. 

" Our story will carry the reader back ' to the period ' when all north 
of the Ohio River was an almost unbroken wilderness — the mysterious 
red man's home. On the other side, a bold and hardy band from be- 
yond the mountains had built their log cabins, and were trying to subdue 
the wilderness. To them etery hour was full of peril. The Indians 
would often cross the river, steal their children and horses, and kill and 
scalp any victim who came in their way. They worked in the field with 
weapons at their side, and on a Sabbath met in a grove or rude log 
church, to hear the word of God, with their rifles in their hands. To 
preach to these settlers, Mr. Joseph Smith, a Presbyterian minister, had 
left his parental home east of the mountains. He, it was said, was the 
second minister who had crossed the Monongahela River. He settled 
in Washington County, Pennsylvania, and became the pastor of the 
Cross Creek and Upper Buffalo congregations, dividing his time between 
them. He found them a willing and united people, but still unable to 
pay him a salary which would support his family. He, in common with 
all the early ministers, must cultivate a farm. He purchased one on 
credit, promising to pay for it with the salary pledged to him by his 
people. Years passed away. The pastor was unpaid. Little or no 
money was in circulation. "Wheat was abundant, but there was no 
market. -It could not be sold for more than twelve and a half cents in 
cash. Even their salt had to be brought across the mountains on pack- 
horses, was worth eight dollars per bushel, and twenty-one bushels of 
wheat had often to be given for one of salt. The time came when the 
last payment must be made, and Mr. Smith was told he must pay or 
leave his farm. Three years' salary was now due from his people. For 
the want of this, his land, his improvements upon it, and his hopes of 
remaining among a beloved people, must be abandoned. The people 
were called together, and the case laid before them ; they were greatly 
moved ; counsel from on high was sought ; plan after plan was proposed 
and abandoned ; the congregations were unable to pay a tithe of their 
debts, and no money could be borrowed. In despair, they adjourned 



72 ,. LIFE AND TIMES OF THE 

to meet again the following week. In the mean time, it was ascertained 
that a Mr. Moore, who owned the only mill in the county, would grind 
for them wheat on reasonable terms. At the next meeting it was re- 
solved to carry their wheat to Mr. Moore's mill : some gave fifty bushels, 
some more. This was carried from fifteen to twenty-six miles, on 
horses, to mill. In a month word came that the flour was ready to go 
to market. Again the people were called together. After an earnest 
prayer, the question was asked, ' Who will run the flour to New Or- 
leans V This was a startling question. The work was perilous in the 
extreme ; months must pass before the adventurer could hope to return, 
even though his journey should be fortunate ; nearly all the way was a 
wilderness, and gloomy tales had been told of the treacherous Indian. 
More than one boat's crew had gone on that journey and came back no 
more. ' Who, then, would endure the toil and brave the danger?' None 
volunteered : the young shrunk back, and the middle-aged had their 
excuse. The scheme at last seemed likely to fail. At length a hoary- 
headed man, an elder in the church, sixty-four years of age, arose, and, 
to the astonishment of the assembly, said, ' Here am I — send me.' The 
deepest feeling at once pervaded the whole assembly. To see their vene- 
rated old elder thus devote himself for their good melted them all to 
tears. They gathered around Father Smiley to learn that his resolution 
was indeed taken ; that, rather than lose their pastor, he would brave 
danger, toil, and even death. After some delay and trouble, two young 
men were induced, by hope of a large reward, to go as his assistants. 
A day was appointed for starting. The young and old, from far and 
near, from love to Father Smiley, and their deep interest in the object 
of his mission, gathered together, and, with their pastw at their liead, 
came down from -the church, fifteen miles away, to the bank of the river, 
to bid the old man farewell. Then a prayer was offered up by their 
pastor, a parting hymn was sung.' ' There,' said the old Scotchman, 
' untie the cable, and let us see what the Lord will do for us.' This 
was done, and the boat floated slowly away. More than nine months 
passed, and no word came back from Father Smiley. Many a prayer 
had been breathed for him, but what was his fate was unknown. Ano- 
ther Sabbath came ; the people came together for worship, and there, 
on his rude bench before the preacher, composed and devout, sat Father 
Smiley. After the services, the people were requested to meet early in 
the week to hear the report. All came again. After thanks had been 
returned to God for his safe return, Father Smiley rose and" told his 
story ; that the Lord had prospered his mission, that he had sold his 
flour for twenty-seven dollars a barrel, and then got safely l)ack. He 
then drew a large purse, and poured upon the table a larger pile of 
gold than most of the spectators had ever seen before. The young mea 



KEV. JOSEPH SMITH. 73 

were paid, each a hundred dollars. Father Smiley vras asked his 
charges. He meekly replied that he thought he ought to have the 
same as one of the young men, though he had not done quite as much 
work. It was immediately proposed to pay him three hundred dollars. 
This he refused to receive till the pastor was paid. Upon counting the 
money, it was found there was enough to pay what was due Mr. Smith, 
to advance his salary for the year to come, to reward Father Smiley with 
three hundred dollars, and then have a large dividend for each contri- 
butor. Thus their debts were paid, their pastor relieved ; and, while 
life lasted, he broke for them the bread of life. The bones of both 
pastor and elder, I believe, have long reposed in the same churchyard ; 
but a grateful posterity still tells this pleasing story of the past." * 

* Mr. William Smiley was an elder in Upper Buffalo Church — was a 
Scotchman, of a strong mind, very shrewd, and eminently pious. His man- 
ners were somewhat blunt; and he had an integrity and honesty about him 
which would not allow him to connive at anything which he thought to 
be wrong. He disliked everything which in any way set aside the claims 
of religion, and did not give it its proper place in the business of life 
or the enjoyment of the social circle. While attending the General 
Assembly at Carlisle, he was invited to spend a social evening at the 

house of General , who was also an elder and a pious man. The 

next day he was asked by an acquaintance, who met him, how he en- 
joyed himself. "Not very well," he replied, that "they gave him 
cursed tea." — " Cursed tea !" said his friend ; " how was that ?" — 
"Why," said he, "it was not blessed — of course it must have been 
cursed, that is all." He referred to the fact that the tea had been 
handed round without a blessing having been asked. Such was his 
judgment of the fashionable mode of tea-drinking. During the same 

Assembly, the Kev. Mr. , a vain man, of very moderate abilities, 

preached from I. Tim., i. 15, "This is a faithful saying, &c." Several 
other ministers had preached on the preceding days. The next day 
after he had preached he was walking with Father Smiley, and took 

occasion to ask him how he liked the sermon of Mr. , and the 

sei-mon of Mr. , who had preached on the previous days. Mr. 

Smiley put him off with a general answer. " Well, then, how did you 
like my sermon?" asked his interi'ogator. — "Why," said he, "I did 
not like it at all." — " Why not ?" said the preacher. — " Because," re- 
joined Smiley, " you said nothing about closing with Christ." — " That," 
said the preacher, " was not in the text." — " It was as much in the text 
as what you did say," replied Smiley. This put an end to the colloquy, 
and it is not likely that the reverend gentleman would soon again seek 
to elicit a compliment from the honest Scotchman. Father Patterson 



74 LIFE AND TIMES OF THE 

Mr. Miller states in his outset, that he received this account 
from Mr. Grimes, an elder of Buffalo ; and we will add, that 
we have taken considerable pains to ascertain, from vai'ious 
other sources, that it is all substantially correct. Such were 
the dealings of God with His servant, and well might he, ever 
after this, feel assured that "the Lord will provide." 

Mr. Smith was a laborious and faithful pastor. In visiting 
and catechising his people, and in his efforts to seek out those 
who were neglecting the ordinances of religion, he was most 
diligent. The tide of emigration, especially from Virginia, 
poured around him considerable numbers of a profane, Sab- 
bath-breaking class. He was skilful in devising successful 
methods of access to every sort of persons, even to some that 
but few would have thought it worth while to approach. In 
this respect, he knew no man after the flesh, and would at 
once "beard the lion in his den." He may have sometimes 
failed, but no such instance of failure is now remembered. 
When once at the house of one of his elders over night, and 
rising early in the morning, he observed a house some half 
mile distant, and persons walking back and forth, near it. He 
inquired of his elder who lived there? He was told that it 
was a man who had come there some months before. Mr. 
Smith asked if he came to church. The elder said that he 
did not, but that his wife and daughters came sometimes. Mr. 
Smith said he would go and see them, and telling the elder 
not to wait breakfast for him, he set off immediately. On 
arriving at the house, he found the man and his family at 
home. He introduced himself as the minister who preached 
at Buffalo, and as such he called to see him. The man said 
he knew him, although he had not been to church ; but his 
wife and children sometimes went. Mr. Smith called the 
family together, and talked with them on the subject of re- 
ligion. After some time he asked the man if he had family 

was walking near to them at the time, and overheard this conversation, 
very much to his gratification. 



REV. JOSEPH SMITH. 75 

worship that morning. He replied he had not. " I suppose," 
said Mr. Smith, "you pray in your family, of course." He 
admitted that he did not. "Then," said Mr. Smith, "you 
ought to do it, and the sooner you begin, the better. You 
must begin immediately." He then asked for a Bible, and 
read and remarked upon a suitable passage, and then asked 
the man to pray; and without giving him time^to express his 
assent or dissent, kneeled down forthwith. A long silence 
ensued ; Mr. Smith then turned to the man, and urged him 
to pray. He still remained silent. Again urged by his im- 
portunate visitor, to pray, under this process, his mind deeply 
agitated, he at length cried out in agony, " Lord, teach me 
to pray, for I know not how to pray." " That will do," said 
Mr. Smith, as he rose from his knees, " you have made a good 
beginning, and I trust you will soon be able to extend your 
petitions." The result was such as Mr. Smith predicted, for 
the tradition is, that from this time forth he became a man 
of prayer, and he and his family became consistent and active 
members of the Church.* 

He was anxious from the first, after he settled in the West, 
to look out for, and aid in preparing some young men to 
preach the gospel.f He is believed to have been the first 

* Dr. Lindley says, in one of his letters, " The ruling passion of his 
warfare was innocent contrivances to catch flanking parties and stroll- 
ing individuals in the gospel-net. He was an eagle-eyed spy and. scouter 
upon the trails of the enemy, and was very successful in the capture of 
individuals, as well as taking them in squadrons. Though he made no 
pretensions to brute force, he feared none of the Devil's emissaries, on 
this side of Hell.^' 

t We give another passage from Doddridge's " Notes." " From the 
outset, they prudently resolved to create a ministry in the country, and 
accordingly established little grammar schools at their own houses, or 
in their immediate neighborhoods. ' The course of education which they 
gave their pupils was indeed not extensive ; but the piety of those who 
entered into the ministry more than made up the deficiency. They 
formed societies, most of which are now large and respectable, and in 
■point of education, thrir ministry has much improved. About the year 
1792, an academy was established at Canonsburgh, in Washington 



76 LIFE AND TIMES OF THE 

who moved in this matter. The Rev. Thaddeus Dodd had, as 
early as 1783 or '4, moved into the village of Washington, 
and taught the town school or academy, in the old Court- 
House, for about a year, and returned to Ten Mile, where he 
had previously resided. During that time, two or three young 
men, ha-sdng the ministry in view, received instruction from 
Mr. Dodd, among whom were James Hughes and John Hanna. 
But the first school that was opened with a special view to the 
training of young men for the sacred office, is believed to have 
been begun by Mr. Smith, at Upper Buffalo, as early, at least, 
as 1785. The subject had pressed heavily on his mind for 
some time before. There was one difficulty in his way. He 
had no suitable house. But he had recently erected a house 
adjoining his dwelling-house, to serve as a kitchen and out- 
house. If his wife would be wilHng to sui-render that for a 
while, and fall back on their former hampered domestic sys- 
tem, it could be done. He stated the case to her. She cor- 
dially acquiesced in the plan, and warmly seconded his views. 
Almost immediately the first Latin school was begun. Messrs. 
M'Gready, Porter, and Patterson, began their course. Soon 
after, James Hughes, and Brice, who had already been with Mr. 

County, in the western part of Pennsylvania, which was afterwards in- 
corporated under the name of Jefferson College. The means possessed 
by the Society, [the Presbyterian Church, doubtless, he means,] for the 
undertaking, were indeed but small ; but they not only erected a tolera- 
ble edifice for the academy, but collected a fund for the education of 
such pious young men as were desirous of entering into the ministry, 
but were unable to defray the expenses of their education. This insti- 
tution has been remarkably successful in its operations. It has pro- 
duced a large number of good scholars, in all the literary professions, 
and added immensely to the science of the country. Next to this, Wash- 
ington College, situated in the county town of the county of that name, 
has been the means of diffusing much of the light of science through 
the "Western country. Too much pains cannot be bestowed on those 
good men who opened these fruitful sources of instruction for our infant 
country, at so early a period of its settlement. They have immensely 
improved the departments of theology, law, medicine, and legislation in 
the western regions." 



EEV. JOSEPH SMITH. 77 

Dodd, joined them. This school for the languages and sciences 
was continued some time, and then, by some mutual arrange- 
ment, was transferred and re-organized, near Canonsburgh, 
under the care of Dr. M'Millan. It was therefore the real 
nucleus, the larva out of which grew eventually, first, the 
Canonsburgh Academy, and then JeiFerson College. This 
view of the case will, perhaps, be called in question. It has 
been commonly supposed that such a school was long before 
in operation, under the direction of Dr. M'Millan, and that 
the school at Chartiers, for preparing young men for the minis- 
try, did not succeed that of Mr. Smith, or in any sense was 
the same school, transferred from Buffalo to Chartiers. We 
will endeavor to state fairly a few things that may serve to 
guide us to a right decision on this point. 

In the first place, the records of the Presbytery of Red- 
stone show that there were no licentiates under their care, 
who had received their previous scholastic or theological train- 
ing from Dr. M'Millan, till long after the above period, and that 
all the first ministers had received their instruction, either 
from Mr. Dodd or Mr. Smith. The Redstone Presbytery was 
the only Presbytery then west of the mountains. Now it is 
strange, if, indeed, there was such a school at Dr. M'Millan's, 
where young men were instructed in the languages and sciences, 
before or for some years immediately after, or during 1785, 
.that not one of them can now be found, and that there is no 
mention of such in the minutes of the Presbytery. The same 
thing will appear upon examining the Appendix (containing 
brief biographical notices of all the first ministers in Western 
Pennsylvania) affixed to Dr. Elliott's life of Macurdy. 

In the second place, we would mention the express testi- 
mony of Mrs. Irwin, an aged, but very intelligent lady, now 
residing near Marysville, Ohio, who stated to us, in substance, 
as follows (and her pastor, the Rev. Mr. Smith, testifies that 
it has been her unvaried statement for many years, and has 
no doubt of her memory being perfectly good in this case,) 
" that she was between twelve and fifteen years of age, living 



78 LIFE AND TIMES OF THE 

near Mr. Smith's, one of his spiritual children, took a great 
interest, then, in what Mr. Smith did in this matter, and all 
her life after, familiarly rememhered the following facts : 
that in 1785, Mr. Smith, of BuflFalo and Cross Creek con- 
gregations, opened a school for assisting and training young 
men for the gospel ministry ; that Mr. M'Gready, Mr. Brice, 
Mr. Porter, and j\Tr. Patterson, began their course then with 
him, Mr. James Hughes soon after joining them ; that Mr. 
M'Gready came from Dr. M'Millan's, with whom he had 
been living, not as a student, but as a laborer on his farm ; 
that five congregations, through the ladies, united in furnish- 
ing these students (with the exception of Mr. M'Gready) with 
clothing, viz., Buffalo, Cross Creek, Chartiers, Bethel, and 
Ten-Mile ; that they made up summer and winter clothing for 
several of these young men (coloring linen for summer wear 
in a dye made of new-mown hay ! ) that this was the first 
movement made for preparing young men for the ministry ; 
that there was no such school, at this time, at Chartiers, nor 
until after the one at Buffalo was discontinued ; that Mrs. 
M'Millan and the Chartiers ladies took their share in this 
effort to sustain this school at Buffalo, Mr. M'Gready coming 
from Dr. M'Millan's to the school." This is very explicit 
testimony ; and to every word of it Mrs. Irwin testified, in 
substance, to the writer. 

In the third place, we give the following statement, fur- 
nished to us by Dr. Cephas Dodd, the venerable pastor of 
Amity, Washington county, and son of Rev. Thaddeus Dodd. 
He was sufficiently old, at the thne, to remember distinctly 
the facts which he states. " There was an agreement made 
between Mr. Smith and Mr. Dodd, by which they engaged, 
alternately, to superintend the education of certain young 
men, who had the ministry in view. Mr, Dodd had a large 
cabin erected near his dweUing, which was occupied as a 
school-room, and they boarded in his family. Of these, were 
Messrs. James Hughes, John Brice, Robert Marshall, and 
John Hanna, and afterwards David Smith, son of Mr. Smith, 



REV. JOSEPH SMITH. 79 

all of whom afterwards entered the ministry. They were 
with Mr. Dodd from about 1783 to 1786, and pursued their 
studies for the remainder of the time with Mr. Smith. It is 
thought that Dr. M'Millan was also a party to the above 
arrangement, but for some cause the aforesaid young men 
were never under his mition. There were others, as Messrs. 
Patterson, M'Gready, and Porter, who were instrKcted solely 
by Mr. Smith." There may seem some slight discrepancy 
between the view presented by Dr. Dodd, and some of the 
foregoing testimony ; but the most essential difficulty is easily 
removed by remembering that Mr. Dodd's school was, all 
along, an English school, and instruction in the languages 
merely an appendage to it, for the accommodation of two or 
three young men ; whereas Mr. Smith's school was a real 
Latin school, got up especially for training young men for the 
ministry, and concentrating the aid and patronage of all the 
churches, Dr. M'Millan's church included.* 

We may, in the last place, refer to an extract from a letter 
of Dr. M'Millan to Dr. Carnahan, dated March 26th, 1832. 
Towards the close of that interesting letter he says, " I am 
now in my eightieth year ; I have outlived all the first set of 
ministers who settled on this side of the mountains, viz.. Rev. 
Messrs. James Finley, James Power, Jas. Dunlap, J. Clarke, 
Joseph Smith, and Thaddeus Dodd ; and all of the second set 
who were raised up in this country, viz., Joseph Patterson, 
James Hughes, John Price, James M'Gready, Wm. Swan, 
Samuel Porter, Thomas Marquis, and J. M'Pherrin." There 
is Dr. M'Millan's list of the second set ; and none of these 



* The statement above given respecting the character of Mr. Dodd's 
school, the writer is assured by the Rev. C. Dodd and the Rev. Jacob 
Lindley, is not altogether correct. This school of Mr. Dodd, though 
with an English department, was prominently a classical, mathematical 
and scientific school. The silence of Mr. Doddridge, and a statement 
of the Rev. William Wylie, D. D., together with an expression of the 
Rev. Joseph Patterson, (see his Life,) had misled us. 



so LIFE AND TIMES OF THE 

did he train or instruct, till after the school at Buffalo ceased, 
or was transferred to Chartiers. 

An earlier passage in this letter has given rise to what we 
believe an error respecting the date of Dr. M'Millan's Latin 
school. It is as follows : " When I determined to come to 
this country, Dr. Smith enjoined it upon me* to look out for 
some pious young men, and educate them for the ministry; 
for, said he, though some men of piety and talents may go to 
a new country first, yet, if they are not careful to train up 
others, the country will not be well supplied. Accordingly, 
I collected a few who gave evidence of piety, and taught them 
the Latin and Greek languages. Some of them became use- 
ful, and others eminent ministers of the gospel. I had still 
a few with me when the academy was opened in Canonsburg, 
and, finding that I could not teach and do justice to my con- 
gregation, I immediately gave it up and sent them there." 

Now, this passage furnishes nothing in conflict with all that 
we have said, and, we think, proved. If the Doctor refers to 
a period ijrior to the school at Buffalo, as some seem to have 
understood him, but of which he says nothing, then ivlio ivere 
those he thus trained, and who afterwards became ministers ? 
It is manifest their names are not found on the records of the 
Presbytery of Redstone, nor in that list which he himself 
calls the second set of ministers. It is evident that either this 
passage in the Doctor's letter has been misunderstood, when 
it has been brought to prove that his Latin school was the 
first, or is only another illustration of "lapsus memorioe" in 
an octogenarian ! [This letter, by the way, gives no evidence 
that Dr. M'Millan had any direct agency, or at least took 
any active part, in getting up the academy at Canonsburg. 
On this we have other evidence that he opposed that location, 
but it is aside from our purpose to introduce it now.] It 
seems in itself not unlikely that this enterprise should begin 

* He no doubt gave the same injunction to Mr. Smith and others, if 
he had the opportunity. 



REV. JOSEPH SMITH. 8J 

■with Mr. Smith, as he was a thorough classical scholar, and 
fifteen years older than Dr. M'Millan, and the pastor of two 
very large churches, where a great number of youth had been 
hopefully converted to God under his ministry.* That he 

* We would also invite attention to the following statements from the 
Rev. Joseph Patterson, and from his son, the Rev. Robert Patterson, as 
in harmony with the entire view we have given above, though by no 
means written for that purpose. The first is an extract from a prefa- 
tory note to a volume of letters written by the Rev. Joseph Patterson : 
" In the fall of 1785, being thirty-three years old, it was thought best, 
with the advice of the Presbytery of Redstone, that I should endeavor 
to prepare for the gospel ministry. There being no places of public 
education in this country, I, with a few others, studied with the Rev. 
Joseph Smith, of Buffalo congregation, Washington county, Pa. Being 
partially absent fi-om my family," &c. 

The other statement will be found in the following extract from a 
letter of the Rev. Robert Patterson to the Rev. M. Brown, D. D., dated 
Oct. 1st, 1846 : " Between 1780 and 1790, and chiefly in the latter part 
of these ten years, some of the few Presbyterian clergymen living west 
of the mountains in Pennsylvania, were in the habit of giving instruc- 
-tion in the languages and sciences to young men, whose object in their 
studies was the gospel ministry. The Rev. Messrs. Joseph Smith and 
John M'Millan were distinguished in their devotion to this cause. They 
both settled in congregations in Washington county, Pa. Mr. Smith 
had a small building ereeted in a corner of the garden, called "the 
students' room," too small to be dignified with the name of a hall. And 
Mr. M'Millan had a small log cabin built near his log dwelling-house, 
known to this day by the appellation of the " log cabin." In these 
primitive seminaries were educated some men who became eminently 
useful and successful in the Church. Among them may be named the 
Rev. Messrs. William_Swan, Samuel Porter, James Hughes, John Brice, 
David Smith, Joseph Patterson, and others whose names do not occur 
to my memory. It should be here stated, that, for want of suitable 
places elsewhere, the students generally lodged in the minister's family, 
without profit, and sometimes at considerable expense to the household. 
In this service and toil, the wives of these two godly ministers heartily 
concurred. I knew them weU, and they were both eminently mothers 
in Israel. 

" For some time in the latter part of 1790, instruction in these small 
seminaries had been suspended," &c. 

Both these statements substantially confirm the account given by 
6 



82 LIFE AND TIMES OF THE 

clieerfully handed over the subsequent management of this 
important interest to Dr. M'Millan, and co-operated with him, 
after the transfer, in building up the school, Ave have not a 
doubt. Indeed, as chairman of the committee appointed by 
the Synod of Virginia, (and truly this place was rightly 
assigned to him who had done so much in starting the enter- 
prise,) he brought in a report which was adopted by the 
Synod at their session in Winchestei', Oct. 1st, 1791. That 
report contains these two interesting items : 

" The committee appointed to form a plan for promoting 
the education of persons for the ministry of the gospel, report : 
The Synod having considered the same, and made such 
amendments and additions as were judged necessary, agreed 
to it as follows : ' Taking this measure, therefore, under 
serious consideration, the Synod recommend that there be two 
general institutions for learning, conducted under the patron- 
age of this body — the one to be established in Rockbridge 
county, in this State, under the care of the Rev. Wm. Graham ; 
the other in Washington county. Pa., under the care of the 
Rev. John M'Millan. The principles upon which these insti- 
tutions are to be conducted, are to be as follows,' " &c. Thus 
the prominent part which the subject of this memoir took, 
from first to last, may be clearly seen. While Mr. Smith 
lived, the institution at Canonsburg was under the care of his 
presbytery, and remotely of his synod (of Virginia), And 
so it continued for many years after his death.* It is no 
part of our design to trace the subsequent history of this 

Mrs. Irwin and Dr. C. Dodd ; whilst the latter statement of the Rev. R. 
Patterson shows how erroneous has been the pfevailing theory about 
the earlier and prior origin of the "log cabin" school, and about the 
Canonsburg academy growing out of it. It indeed rather grew out of 
Mr. Johnson's school, or Mr. Miller's school ; and Dr. M'Millan gave 
up his school in consequence, in part, of this academy being thus 
begun. (See further on this subject in the Life of Dr. M'Millan.) 

*We have since ascertained that this statement, as will hereafter 
appear, is not quite correct. 



EEV. JOSEPH SMITH. 83 

earliest western Presbyterian sclaool of the prophets. For 
reasons no doubt deemed satisfactory, it has long since passed 
out of the control of the Church. It is no longer under 
ecclesiastical supervision, and, indeed, never was, we believe, 
as a college. Its earlier history, from the peculiar relations 
to it of the subject of this memoir, we have thought proper to 
notice. Mr. Smith never met the Synod of Virginia again. 
Before that time he was called to his rest. 

Still abounding in labors, at home and abroad, and wearing 
out in his master's service, the spring of 1792 found Mr. 
Smith at his post. His health, though never vigorous, gave 
no token of his approaching end. He was in his pulpit on 
the first Sabbath of April, and was at Cross Creek, according 
to his alternate course, on that day. His text was Gal. i. 8, 
" Though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other 
gospel than that which we have preached, let him be ac- 
cursed." He took occasion, from this text, to give them a 
summary sketch of his twelve years' preaching. It seemed 
like the winding up of the whole of his ministry. It was 
universally remarked that he spoke as though he had a pre- 
sentiment that it was to be his last sermon. He seemed to 
them as though he was just going to the judgment-seat of 
Christ. The whole place was like a Bochim. How much 
more were his people affected, when it was found that he 
required assistance to get from the pulpit to his horse ! He 
was obliged to remain for a day or two in the neighborhood, 
and then was conveyed home on a sled. Carriages with 
wheels were almost unknown then. 

His disease was inflammation of the brain. His sufferings, 
though short, were severe. In the earlier stages of his dis- 
ease, he was in deep waters. At one time a cloud of great 
darkness came over him. His affectionate people poured in 
to see him. He asked them to pray for him. To a number 
of young people, whom the Lord had given him as his spi- 
ritual children, and who were permitted to approach his bed- 
side, he said, "My dear children, often have I prayed for you 



84 LIFE AND TIMES OF THE 

when you were asleep in your beds ; now is your time to pay 
me back. Oh, pray for me, that the Lord would shield me 
from the fiery darts of Satan. Deep calleth unto deep, and 
all his billows he maketh to pass over me." In such lan- 
guage, we have been told by one of that group that then 
stood by his bedside, did he express the anguish of his spirit ; 
but the conflict was soon over, and all was peace. His last 
day was spent in the land of Beulah. As long as he could 
speak, it was in the accents of triumph and holy joy. On 
the 19th of April, 1792, Mr. Smith finished his course on 
earth, and died in the faith. The tidings of his death spread 
a gloom over a widely extended community. Such were the 
feelings of his own people, that, as many of them testified, it 
was a common remark among them, that the sun did not 
seem to shine with his natural brightness for many days 
afterwards. Truly a great man had fallen in Israel. The 
following lines, composed by the Rev. Thaddeus Dodd, are to 
be found on the stone that covers his mortal remains in the 
graveyard at Upper Bufialo : 

" What joys malignant flushed the powers of Hell I 
But Zion trembled -when this Pillar fell, 
Lest God, who his ambassador withdrew. 
Should take away his Holy Spirit too ; 
Then some vain hireling, void of special grace, 
Be brought to fill this faithful pastor's place." * 

* The following lines were found among Mr. Dodd's papers, composed 
by him as an affectionate tribute to the memory of his departed friend 
and brother: 

"Hark ! hark ! methinks I hear the solemn toll. 
Which might reverberate from pole to pole ; 
That dear beloved man, whom oft we beard, 
And every truly gracious soul revered, 
That man of God — the man we often saw. 
In his great Master's name proclaim his law, 
In terms which might have moved a heart of steel, 
And almost made an adamant to feel 
The terrors of God's wrath — and when he show'd 
The way of peace, pointing to Jesus' blood, 



REV. JOSEPH SMITH. 85 

The congregation where he lived and died still survive in 
the successive generations that have arisen. Their candlestick 
is not yet removed. It is true, that by emigration, they have 
furnished an imflaense number as materials for new churches 
all over the West: could their statistics in this matter be 
gathered, it would, it is believed, awaken in every pious mind 
astonishment and gratitude. In this respect, the influence of 
his ministry has been extended down till the present time ; 
and over the Western States, and with multitudes, wherever 
the traveller wanders through Ohio and other States, he will 
find the name of Joseph Smith pronounced with reverence 
and affection. It will be seen also by the statistics of the 
General Assembly, appended to their Minutes, that his old 
churches are still amongst the most flourishing of Western 
Pennsylvania. If Kidderminster, the place where Richard 
Baxter laboured so ardently and so successfully, has still a 
chosen people, after the lapse of two centuries, need we 
wonder that the Lord is still very gracious to the descendants 
of that pious race, that, more than seventy years ago, were 
gathered in our western wilderness, under the ministry of such 
a man as Joseph Smith, who " lured to brighter worlds, and 
led the way." 

Mr. Smith was a faithful preacher of the terrors of the, 
law ; and, on this account profane people gave him the 
soubriquet of Sell-fire Smith. In this connexion we may 
mention a well-accredited fact, though all the details are not 
now preserved. Mr. ^Smith was on his way to the General 

Hard was the wretch, a senseless rock the heart, 
That in the Saviour would not have a part ; 
Sweet invitation dwelt upon his tongue. 
Enough t' have drawn an infidel along. 
In him seraphic zeal and manly sense, 
A mind informed, and sacred eloquence. 
Warm (not enthusiastic) heavenly love, 
To souls below and his great Lord above, 
Joined in sweet concert : Unto him was given 
The art of converse, tasting strong of heaven." 



Ob LIFE AND TIMES OF THE 

Assembly, and tarried during the Sabbath in a congregation 
•where vital religion was at a very low ebb. The minister, 
having heard of Mr. Smith's style of preaching intimated to 
him that he would be glad if he would give his people one of 
his more moderate sermons, as it would better suit their taste. 
Mr. Smith, after giving out an impressive hymn and offering 
an unusually fervent prayer, arose to preach, and as he rose 
uttered with a strong voice the words, "Fire! fire! fire!" 
The congregation, as we may well suppose, were alarmed and 
agitated, and eagerly glanced their eyes towards every part 
of the building, above and around. "If the very mention 
of the word," continued the preacher, "so startles you, if the 
mere apprehension of it, excited by the voice of a stranger, 
so disturbs you, what will it be to encounter the reality? 
' Who can dwell with everlasting burnings ?' This is my 
text." He delivered one of his most alarming and awakening 
discourses. It was the means of an entire change in the 
spiritual views and ministerial labors of the pastor, and the 
commencement of a revival of religion in the congregation. 
The minister often mentioned the circumstance freel}'-, and 
with flowing tears and expressions of gratitude to God for 
having sent his servant among them. 

At one of the first communion seasons in the western 
wilderness, Mr. Smith was present. An immense concourse 
of people were drawn together from a widely extended settle- 
ment. The services were conducted in a grove, adjoining the 
meeting-house ; which house, by the way, would hardly have 
contained a tithe of the people that usually assembled, on such 
occasions. This recourse to a grove was quite a common 
arrangement for many years afterwards. There are thousands 
yet living who well remember the solemn, delightful scenes 
witnessed and enjoyed beneath the canopies of western forests; 
and we doubt not, the reminiscences of Heaven sometimes 
wander back to such rural spots, where " Heaven was begun 
below !" But to return : the sacramental service which, at 
that time, was generally more protracted than in our day, was 



BEV. JOSEPH SMITH. 87 

at length closed, late in the afternoon of a long summer day. 
Mr. Smith rose to deliver a closing address ; but the attention 
of the audience was disturbed : considerable numbers having 
many miles to go in order to reach their homes, were rising 
and dispersing ; some setting out on foot, some going to their 
horses, some disengaging their bridles from the branches of 
the trees, some preparing to mount, some already mounted, 
and riding in different directions — presenting altogether a 
picturesque and striking scene. Mr. Smith, surveying the 
whole aspect before him, and raising his clear and remarkably 
piercing voice to a loud and thrilling pitch, commenced, after 
this manner : " One word to those who are now retiring, and 
who cannot remain longer with us. We are told that when 
this supper was celebrated for the first time, none retired from 
the place until all was over, but Judas. If there be any 
Judases here, let them go ! but let them remember, that what 
they have heard and seen here to-day, will follow them to 
their homes and to hell, if they go there !" The effect, it is 
said, was like an electric shock ; they all, with scarcely an 
exception, returned to their seats and hung upon his lips with 
fixed attention, until the benediction was pronounced. 

The following is an extract from Ms will: — "I give and 
bequeath to each of my beloved children, a Bible, to be paid 
for out of my personal estate, and in so doing, mean to inti- 
mate to them, as I am a dying man and in the sight of God, 
that it is ten thousand times more my will and desire that 
they should find ^nd possess the pearl of great price hid in the 
field of the Scriptures, than enjoy anything else which I can 
bequeath to them, or even ten thousand worlds, were they all 
composed of the purest gold and all brim-full of the richest 
jewels, and yet be ignorant of the precious treasures in God's 
word, that are entirely hid from the most eagle-eyed and 
quick-sighted men that are properly of this world." We 
cannot forbear to add that there is good reason to hope that 
all his children are now with him in heaven.* 

* Indeed it is worthy of admiration and praise, that the Lord was 
truly a covenant God to him and to his seed after him. He trained iu 



88 LIFE AND TIMES OF THE 

After all that has been said, we know of nothing better 
suited to give us a full view of the depth and fervency of his 
piety than the following letter, written more than two years 
before his death, and addressed to a young minister, though 
not a very young man, whom he had trained for the sacred 
office, and who was now just settled as a pastor in an adjoin- 
ing field.* 

" Rev. and Dear Sir, — Grace, mercy, and peace be with you and 
yours. It might, perhaps, look too much like flattery, to tell you how 
much I long to see you, and the desire I have for your success in the 
great work which your divine Master has lately intrusted you with. 
Dear sir, let me remind you, and myself with you, that such is the 
greatness, the extreme difi&culty of a minister's work, and the awfully- 
important consequences of every sermon, of every sentence he delivers 
in the name of the Eternal God, that every man of the sacred charac- 
ter, who knows what he is about, must often tremble at the thought, and 
cry out with the Apostle, * Who is sufficient for these things V Who is 
fit to stand so near to, and personate so glorious and dreadful a God ? 
Who is fit to manage this office, so as to give a good account of it upon 
the strictest inquiry? Who can discharge it, answerable to that bound- 
less eternal felicity, or extremest everlasting misery, which will enure 
upon the manner of his executing it ? 0, what acquaintance with God, 

the nurture and admonition of the Lord^^we daugliters, one, who died a 
peaceful and happy death, in the very bloom of womanhood ; the four 
others became the wives of ministers. These ministers were the Rev. 
Dr. Welch, of Dayton, the Rev. James Hughes, first President of Miami 
University, the Rev. Joseph Anderson, lately deceased in Missouri, and 
the Rev. Dr. William Wylie, of Newark, Ohio. One of his sons died 
whilst preparing for the ministry. Another, the Rev. David Smith, 
lived to the age of thirty-two ; after preaching with great success, for 
about nine years, he literally fell in his Master's work, with his armor 
on, and " vici" on his shield, in the midst of an extensive revival of 
religion in his congregation. Several of Mr. Smith's grandchildren 
became ministers of the Gospel, some of whom are now in the field. 

* Mr. Smith had been appointed to deliver the charge to Mr. Patter- 
son at his ordination ; but was prevented from attending on tfiat occa- 
sion. And though another had performed that service in his stead, he, 
in this letter, perhaps at Patterson's request, sent him the substance of 
what he had intended and prepared to say in the charge. See Records 
of 26th Meeting of Presbytery. 



EEV. JOSEPH SMITH. 8Sf 

what application of mind, what skill, what prudence, what tenderness, 
what care, what fortitude and courage, does such an one need ! In 
short, if we consider and well survey the important ends of our office, 
how extremely difficult it is ; what discouragements and oppositions we 
have to encounter, from ourselves, from those we preach to, from the 
missionaries of hell, who, with a zeal that may reproach our lukewarm- 
ness, exert themselves to propagate the contagion of vice, and occasion 
those to relapse who seemed upon the recovery by our instrumentality, 
— I say, can we consider this, the important and tremendous ends of 
our office, and yet yawn and indulge a slothful inactivity in the pursuit 
of them ? Surely, no : but we must be crying out, 0, that we could 
get free from the stupifying influence of sin and sloth ! and keep our 
spirits deeply impressed vrith the dread importance of eternal things ! 
0, that we were always duly sensible of the worth of the immortal 
soul ! then would we be as watchful over our flocks as their guardian 
angels. 

" But, alas ! from hell, too, do our ministrations meet with the most 
powerful opposition. The very office itself, and ministers for the sake 
of it, are the butts against which Satan, by his instruments, levels his 
sharpest darts, well knowing that here are laid the strongest batteries 
against his kingdom. And, therefore, without doubt, the most faithful 
ministers are the most assaulted. 

" Oh, it is well that the mighty conqueror hath said, 'Lo ! I am with 
you always, even unto the end of the world.' In this one blessed pro- 
mise we find all necessary provision. The officers he emploj^ in every 
age, are still entitled to the benefit of this provision, as well as those 
of the first age. Here, then, my dear son, brother, and friend, while 
you take heed to fulfil your ministry, you have the greatest encourage- 
ment. Though you may be often ready to faint, and so left to feel your 
weakness and dependence, yet, on the whole, you shall find strength 
proportioned to the difficulties of your work. For you are a fellow- 
worker with Him whose designs shall not be frustrated by all the 
powers of hell. When our dear Lord put you into the ministry, I doubt 
not at all but he counted it the greatest honor he could put upon you 
in this mortal life ; and he justly expects that you should form the same 
estimate of it. See that you endeavor always to realize this, and it will 
much sweeten your work, and raise your grateful wonder. See also 
that you keep your mind believingly attentive to this promise, ' Lo ! I am 
with you,' — to qualify and succeed you in whatever work I call you to, 
'Lo ! I am with you,' — to comfort you by my grace and Spirit, when your 
heart is grieved,' Lo, I am with you,' — to defend and strengthen you in 
every trial, though all men should forsake you ; and while He stands 
with you, there can be no just cause of fear or fainting. When you 



90 LIFE AND TIMES OF THE 

are exposed to danger, it will comfort your heart that Christ holdeth 
the stars (his ministers) in his right hand, and none can pluck them 
thence. If any hurt them, they must strike them there. And, there- 
fore, you can suffer nothing but what He permits for gracious ends; 
and from destructive evils you are altogether safe. 

" And now, my dear sir, as you are appointed an instrument to plant 
the Heavenly world, may you be honored in begetting many souls to 
Christ, and saving those who shall be your crown of rejoicing in the 
day of our dear Lord Jesus. Nor will you fail of endless glory, though 
your hearers should perish by their own fault. From, dear sir, 
" Your obedient, affectionate friend, 

"Joseph Smith. 
"Cross Creek, Jan. 16, 1790. 
"Rev. Mr. Patterson." 

Such were the views and sentiments of this western pio- 
neer of the gospel ministry, and " though dead, he yet speak- 
eth." If the foregoing account of this eminent servant of 
God be rendered in any measure instrumental in promoting 
amongst the rising ministry an increased degree of devotion 
to their sacred work and of love to the souls of men, it will be 
an abundant compensation for the time and trouble expended in 
the prepai'ation of this article. To the divine blessing, for 
this purpose, we commend our humble offering. If this paper 
shall meet the eye of any of the descendants of the venerated 
subject of this Memoir, may it contribute to quicken their 
steps heavenward. J. S. 

Note. — The partner of Mr. Smith's joys and sorrows, who was truly a 
crown to her husband, Mrs. Esther Smith, survived him for twenty-eight 
years, and did not reach the goal of her life till she had almost touched 
the boundaries of fourscore. She was a remarkable woman. Often it 
might be said " she was an Israelite indeed, and a mother in Israel." 
She was the daughter of Mr. "William Cummin, merchant, of Cecil 
County, Maryland. Early in life she knew the Lord, and devoted her- 
self to him. In the twenty-second year of her age she was united in 
marriage to the subject of the foregoing memoir. They had eight 
children — three sons and five daughters ; all hopefully the children of 
God. Six of them gave comfortable ground of hope that they entered 
the heavenly rest of God's people before their mother. Mary, the wife 
of the Rev. James Hughes, and Esther, the wife of the Rev. William 



REV. JOSEPH SMITH. 91 

Wylie, D. D., survived her. But both have long since joined their pioua 
parents in the heavenly Inheritance, as we confidently and joyfully 
hope. Mrs. Smith lived with, and sustained, and blessed her husband, 
more than twenty years, saw him triumphantly depart, and pursued 
her widowed pilgrimage for a still longer period, before she in turn 
reached the margin of Jordan, on whose banks she had seen her hus- 
band enjoying the visions of the Celestial City. The latter part of her 
life, particularly after her removal to the State of Ohio — for, having 
selected the family of the Rev. James Hughes as her earthly home, she 
went with them to Ohio — was peculiarly useful. Being without any 
particular charge or incumbrance, she spent a great part of her time 
among the poor, afilicted, and those who were under exercise about the 
state of their souls. She did much to relieve and procure relief for 
their distress. A steady member of female praying societies, she did 
much to unite Christian females of different denominations in these 
societies i one of which she attended weekly until a few days before her 
decease, when she became too weak to walk. She gradually declined, 
without much pain or sickness. Near the close of life, she sonaetimes 
wondered why iJie Lord continued lier so long in the world : she feared 
that she had in some way offended him ^ and this was a reason why he 
did not take her home to himself. She said, a short time before her death, 
that she had no hope but through the perfect righteousness of Christ. 
She had so often (she thought sincerely) given herself to the Lord, she 
believed he would not cast her off. She slept sweetly in Jesus on the 
morning of the 7th of October, 1820, in the 78th year of her age, while 
the family were engaged in their morning devotions, in which the fol- 
lowing hymn was sung, though her death was not at that time imme- 
diately expected : 

" Ye fleeting charms of earth, farewell : 
Your springs of joy are dry: 
My soul now seeks another home ; 
A brighter world on high. 

" Farewell, ye friends, whose tender care 
Has long engaged my love ; 
Your fond embrace I now exchange 
For better friends above. 

" Cheerful I leave this vale of tears, 
Where pains and sorrows grow : 
Welcome the day that ends my toil, 
And every scene of woe. 



92 LIFE AND TIMES OF THE REV. JOSEPH SMITH. 

" No more shall sin disturb my breast; 
My God shall frown no more ; 
The streams of love divine Aall yield 
-Transport unknovrn before. 

" Fly, then, ye interposing days ; 
Lord, send the summons down : 
The hand that strikes me to the dust 
Shall raise me to a crown." 



CHAPTER II. 

MANNERS, CUSTOMS AND DOMESTIC CIRCUMSTANCES OP EARLY 
FRONTIER LIFE. 

"We cannot suppose that some account of the manners and 
customs and domestic circumstances of the people among 
■whom our early ministers labored, would be unacceptable — or 
be deemed out of place in this work. On this subject, how- 
ever, we shall draw largely, though not exclusively, upon 
Doddridge's "Notes on the Life and Manners of the first 
Western Settlers." In a few cases, Mr. Doddridge's descrip- 
tions are not alike applicable to every section of the early 
settlements. He was more conversant, from his residence, 
with the habits and manners of the Western Virginians ; yet, 
though the inhabitants of the "Pan-Handle," perhaps, prin- 
cipally sat for the picture drawn by his graphic pen, much of 
his account is equally applicable to all Western Pennsylvania 
eighty years ago. They were all involved in the same priva- 
tions, and were obliged to adopt similar personal and domestic 
usages. The settlers had to depend, for many years, princi- 
pally for their necessaries, such as iron, nails, salt, and many 
other things, upon the towns of Chambersburg, Hagerstown, 
and Winchester; whither-they resorted with their pack-horses, 
carrying furs, ginseng, snake-root, &c., to barter. In 1787, 
several stores, with what was then considered good stocks of 
goods, were established at different points, by enterprising 
men ; who found it their interest to supply the articles neces- 
sary for a new country. The people themselves being thus 
accommodated, soon gave up their own eastern trips for such 
supplies. The merchandise, salt, &c., were still brought out 
on pack-horses : two men would manage ten or fifteen horses, 
carrying each about 200 pounds, by tying one to the other in 

93 



94 MEANS OF GETTING WAGONS DOWN THE MOUNTAINS. 

single file — one of the men taking charge of the lead-horse, 
to pioneer ; and the other the hinder one, to keep an eye on 
the proper adjustment of the roads, and to stir up any that 
appeared to lag. Bells were indispensable accompaniments 
to the horses ; by which their position could be more easily 
ascertained in the morning, when hunting up, preparatory to 
a start. Some grass or leaves were inserted into the bell, to 
prevent the clapper from operating during the travel of the 
day. 

The first w^agon-load of merchandise that was brought over 
the mountains on the southern route, or that now nearly tra- 
versed by the national road, was in 1789. They were for 
Jacob Bowman, who had settled at Brownsville, as a merchant, 
in 1787, and is deceased but a few years ago. The wagoner 
was John Hayden, who also resided in Fayette County until 
his death. He drove four horses, brought out about 2000 
pounds, for which he received $3 per 100, and was nearly a 
month making the trip to and fro, from Hagerstown, Mary- 
land, a distance of about 140 miles. By means of the great 
improvement in the road, six horses will now haul 7000 or 
8000, between the same places, in seven days, for $1 per 
100.— Daz/'s Eist. Coll., p. 343. 

The perilous character of the roads across the mountains — 
and for some years there were but two, that of Braddock's, 
and the other cut for General Forbes, leading from Bedford, 
by Ligonier, to Pittsburg, rendered the management of a 
loaded wagon no child's play. So precipitous was the descent 
on the northern route, that it was usual to attach a small 
sapling, with all its brushy boughs, to the hinder part of 
the wagon, to act as a drag, to the foot of the mountain. 
These, in time, accumulated there, by the road-side, to the 
great puzzlement of those travellers who were not aware of 
the cause. 

The task of making new establishments in a remote wilder- 
ness, even in a time of profound peace, is sufficiently difficult ; 
but when, in addition to all the unavoidable hardships attendant 



THE STYLE OF THEIR BUILDINGS. 95 

on this business, those resulting from an extensive and furious 
■warfare with savages are superadded — toil, privation, and 
sorrow are carried to the full extent of humam endurance. 
Such was the wretched condition of the western settlers, in 
making settlements here. To all their difficulties and priva- 
tions, the Indian war was a weighty addition. This destruc- 
tive warfare they were compelled to sustain almost single- 
handed; because the Eevolutionary contest with England 
gave full employment to military strength and resources on 
the east side of the mountains. 

Their buildings were of the rudest kind. A spot was se- 
lected, on which to erect a house. On an appointed day, a 
company of choppers met,. felled trees, cut them off at proper 
lengths ; a man with a team hauled them to the place ; this, 
while a carpenter was in search of a straight-grained tree, 
for making clapboards for the roof. The boards were split, 
four feet long, with a large prow, and as wide as the timber 
would allow : they were used without shaving. Some were 
employed in getting puncheons for the floor of the cabin. 
This was done by splitting trees about eighteen inches in 
diameter, and hewing the faces of them with a broad-axe. 
They were half the length of the floor they were intended to 
make. These were the usual preparations for the first day. 
The second day, the neighbors collected round, and finished 
the house. The third day's work generally consisted in "far- 
nituring" the house — supplying it with a clapboard table, 
made of a split slab, and supported by four round legs, set in 
auger holes. Some three-legged stools were made in the 
same manner. Some pins stuck in the logs, at the back of 
the house, supported some clapboards which served for shelves 
for the table furniture, consisting of a few pewter dishes, 
plates and spoons; but mostly of wooden bowls, trenchers, 
and noggins. If these last were scarce, gourds and hard- 
shelled squashes made up the deficiency. The iron pots, 
knives and forks were brought from the east side of the moun- 
tains, along with salt and iron, on pack-horses. 



96 DESCRIPT-ION OF THEIR FURNITURE. 

A single fork, placed witli its lower end in a hole in the 
floor and the upper end fastened to the joist, served for a 
bedstead, by placing a pole in the fork, with one end through 
a crack, between the logs in the wall. This front pole was 
crossed by a shorter one within the fork, with its outer end 
through another crack. From f!he first pole through a crack 
between the logs of the end of the house, the boards were put 
on, which formed the bottom of the bed. Sometimes other 
poles were pinned to the fork, a little distance above these, 
for the purpose of supporting the front and foot of the bed, 
while the walls were the supports of its back and its head. 
A few pegs around the walls for a display of the coats of the 
■women, and hunting-shirts of the men ; and two small forks 
or buck's horns to a joist, for the rifle and shot-pouch, com- 
pleted the carpenter work. The cabin being finished, the 
next ceremony was " the house-warming." Did our first 
ministers know anything of such modes of living? Yes — 
every one of them, perhaps, without exception. Take Dr. 
M'Millan's account of the matter, as a specimen. " When I 
came to this country, the cabin in which I was to live was 
raised; but there was no roof on it, nor any chimney nor 
floor. The people, however, were very kind, and assisted me 
in preparing my house, and on the 16th of December I 
removed into it. But we had neither bedstead nor tables, nor 
stool, nor chau', nor bucket. All these things we had to 
leave behind us ; as there was no wagon road at that time 
over the mountains ; we could bring nothing but what was 
carried on pack-horses. "VYe placed two boxes on each other, 
which served us for a table, and two kegs answered for seats, 
and having committed ourselves to God in family worship, we 
spread a bed on the floor, and slept soundly till morning. 
The next day a neighbor came to my assistance. We made 
a table and a stool, and in a little time had everything com- 
fortable about us." The Doctor's bedstead and other fixtures 
were, no doubt, such as Mr. Doddridge describes. 

The diet of our first settlers, says our author, was mainly 



THEIR VICTUALS AND DRESS. 97 

"hog and hominj." Dr. M'Millan says, "that for weeks to- 
gether they had no meal, and lived on potatoes and pumpkins 
as a substitute for bread." Johnny-cake and pone were the 
bread for breakfast and dinner ; mush and milk, a standard 
diet for supper. When milk was not plenty, which was often 
the case, the substantial dish of hominy had to serve the 
place of them ; mush was frequently eaten with sweetened 
water, molasses, bear's oil or the gravy of fried meat. 

Their dress was partly Indian, and partly of civilized 
nations. The hunting-shirt was universally worn. This was 
a kind of loose frock, reaching half way down the thighs, 
with large sleeves, open before, and so wide as to lap over a 
foot or more when belted. The cape was large, and some- 
times handsomely fringed with a ravelled piece of cloth of a 
different color from that of the hunting-shirt itself." Both, 
however, were generally of that description of cloth called 
"Linsey-woolsey." The most common color was blue, and 
had a far neater appearance than those ugly-looking, red- 
flannel "waumuses" — now much worn in the winter by the 
farmers. " The bosom of this dress served as a wallet to 
hold a chunk of bread, cakes, jirk, tow for wiping the barrel 
of the rifle, or any other necessary for the hunter or warrior. 
The belt which was tied behind, answered several purposes, 
besides that of holding the dress together. In cold weather 
the mittens, and sometimes the bullet-bag, occupied the front 
of it. To the right side was suspended the tomahawk, and 
on the left the scalping-knife in its leathern sheath." 

The hunting-shirt was generally made of linsey — sometimes 
of coarse linen, and a few, of dressed deer-skins. These last 
were generally cold and uncomfortable in wet weather. The 
shirt and jacket were of the common fashion. A pair of 
drawers or breeches and leggins were the dress of the thighs 
and legs. Buckskin breeches, yellow or black, were much 
worn by our ministers in those days.* We have seen in our 

* When these skins were properly dressed, they looked as well as the 
finest Leeds black broadcloth. 

7 



98 THE BUCKSKIX BREECHES. 

boyish days, not less than four or five of them thus dressed. 
Dr. M'Millan long retained his preference for this article of 
dress.* 

Meeting in the streets of Canonsburg, one day, Joe Dun- 
lap, then a wild and thoughtless son of the venerable Presi- 
dent of the College, the Doctor said to him, " Joe, can you 
tell me the difference between you and old Satan?" " Yes," 
said Joe, " I wear pantaloons, and Satan wears buckskin 
breeches." He did not intend to insult the Doctor, by such 
an answer. He knew the good man would laugh heartily at 
his jest. 

But to proceed with Mr. Doddridge's further account of 
the dress of the times : — "A pair of moccasins answered for the 
feet much better than shoes. These were made of dressed 
deerskins. They were mostly made of a single piece, with 
gathered seams along the top of the foot, and another from 
the bottom of the heel, without gathers, as high as the ankle 
joint, or a little higher. Flaps were left on each side, to reach 
some distance up the legs. These were nicely adapted to the 
ankles, and lower part of the leg, by thongs of deerskin, so 
that no dust, gravel or snow could get within the moccasin. 
The moccasins in ordinary use cost but a few hours' labor to 
make them. In cold weather, the moccasins were stuffed with 
deer's hair, or dry leaves, so as to keep the feet comfortably 
warm. 

"In latter years of the Indian war, the young men became 
more enamored with the Indian dress throughout, with the 
exception of the watch-coat. The drawers were laid aside, and 
the leggins made longer, so as to reach the upper part of the 
thigh. The Indian style of toilet was adopted. This was a 
piece of linen or cloth nearly a yard long, and eight or nine 

* In a list of the different trades in Pittsburg in 1792, there is men- 
tion of " 1 Shin-di-esser and Breeches maker." It was doubtless a good 
business then ; and probably our ministers patronised the establishment. 
For though their wives could " gar ould clathes to look amaist as weel 
as new," we never heard that they had much skill at working in leather. 



THE INDIAN STYLE OF DRESS ADOPTED. ^'d 

inches broad. This passed under the belt before and behind, 
leaving the ends of the flaps hanging, before and behind, over 
the belt. These flaps were sometimes ornamented with some 
coarse kinds of embroidering work. To the same belt which 
secured this cloth, strings which supported the long leggins 
were attached. When this belt, as was often the case, passed 
over the hunting-shirt, the upper part of the thighs, and part 
of the hips, were naked. The young warrior, instead of being 
abashed by his nudity, was proud of^his Indian-like dress." 

The latter part of this account refers, we have no doubt, 
exclusively to the region along the Ohio, bordering on the 
Indian country. 

" The linsey-woolsey petticoat and bedgown, which were 
the universal dress of our w<)men in early times, would make 
a very singular figure in our days. A small home-made hand- 
kerchief, in point of elegance, would ill supply the profusion 
of ruffles with which the necks of our ladies are now orna- 
mented. She went barefooted in warm weather, and in cold, 
their feet were covered with moccasins, overshoes, or shoe- 
packs, which often would make but a very sorry figure beside 
the elegant morocco slippers, often embossed with bullion, 
which at present ornament the feet of their daughters and 
grand-daughters. ' ' 

A lady dressed noiv, as to neck and feet, as here described, 
and just as we have seen forty years ago, would create as 
much surprise, as one in the style of still earlier days. Such 
are the whims of fashion. 

The coats and bedgowns of the women, as well as the 
hunting-shirts of the men, were hung in full display on wooden 
pegs, round the walls of their cabins; so that while they 
answered, in some degree, the place of paper-hangings or ta- 
pestry, they announced to the stranger, as well as neighbor, 
the wealth or poverty of the family in the articles of clothings 
This practice prevailed for a long time. It is said that such 
a display of female attire annoyed the worthy old Bishop As- 
bury so much the first night he lodged in the West, that he 
could not sleep till they were all taken down. 



100 THE SUNDAY COTTON SHIRTS. 

The sight of a splendid wardrobe or clothes-press would 
have astonished many of our grandmothers as much as 
"Punch" describes the Frenchmen, staring at a washstand ! 

" The ladies handled the distaff, [we suppose he means the 
spinning-wheel, big and little,] shuttle, sickle, weeding-hoe, 
scutching-knife, hackle, and were contented if they could ob- 
tain their linsey-woolsey clothing; and covered their heads 
with sun-bonnets made of 6 or 700 linen." The quality of 
linen was graded according to the number of threads in what 
was called a "cut." The coarser fabrics contained only 6 or 
700 threads in a cut ; while the finer sort, approaching the 
superior qualities of Irish linen, would contain 10 or 12 and 
even 1800 such threads. 

Cotton fabrics were but little known, or in demand. 
Such as were brought into the country, of which, to some ex- 
tent, Sunday shirts were made, were of the most flimsy 
description,* and all of foreign importation. Flax was univer- 
sally cultivated. When ripe, it was usually pulled by the 
women and boys, as this operation always occurred in har- 
vest, when the men were occupied with their grain or hay. 
And those who ' pulled' it, after the se%d was threshed out of 
it, perhaps towards the heels of harvest, by the men, then 
spread it out ' to rot' for some weeks, on some green pasture 
fields ; and after a number of weeks, it was taken up, ready 
for the application of the ' brake' and ' swingling knife.' 
The former instrument required the muscular arms of stout 
men. The latter was often, perhaps most generally, wielded 
by the women. ' Skutching frolics,' or gatherings of neigh- 
bors to skutch or swingle flax, were very common, and afforded 
much innocent amusement and recreation to the young people, 
blended with pretty hard work. The old ladies generally 
took charge of the 'hackling' of the flax. Hackling and 

* It required some caution, on return from church, in hotVeather, 
when the boys were required to lay them off, to go through the opera- 
tion without tearing them to pieces. For they stuck to the skin like the 
ehirt of Nessus. 



THROWING THE TOMAHAWK. 101 

goose-picldng days required much patient toil. Our grand- 
mothers, even on those days, were still 'at home' to their 
visitants ; for they knew nothing of modern fashionable lying 
in high life. 

" One important pastime of our boys, was that of imitating 
the notes or noise of every bird and beast in the woods. This 
faculty was not merely a pastime ; but a very necessary part 
of education, on account of its utility in certain circumstances. 
The imitations of the gobblers, and other sounds of wild 
turkeys, often brought the keen-eyed, and even watchful 
tenants of the forest within the reach of the rifle. The bleating 
of the fawn brought its dam to her death in the same way. 
The hunter often collected a company of mopish owls on the 
trees about his camp, and amused himself with their hoarse 
screaming ; his howl would raise and obtain responses from a 
pack of wolves, so as to inform him of their neighborhood, as 
well as guard him against their depredations. This imitative 
faculty was sometimes requisite as a measure of precaution in 
war. The Indians, when scattered about in a neighborhood, 
often collected together by imitating turkeys by day, and 
wolves or owls by night. In similar situations, our people 
did the same. I have often witnessed the consternation of a 
whole neighborhood, in consequence of a few screeches of 
owls. An early and correct use of this imitative faculty was 
considered as an indication that its possessor would become, 
in due time, a good hunter, and a valiant warrior. 

Throwing the tomahawk was another boyish sport ; in which 
many acquired considerable skill. The tomahawk, with its 
handle of a certain length, will make a given number of 
turns in a given distance. Say in five steps, it will strike 
with the edge, with the handle downwards — at the distance 
of seven and a half, it will strike with the edge, the handle 
upwards, and so on. A little experience enabled the boy to 
measure the distance with his eye, when walking through the 
woods, and strike a tree with his tomahawk in any way he 
chose. 



102 ATHLETIC EXERCISES. 

The athletic sports of running, jumping, and "wrestling, 
were the pastimes of boys in common with men. A well- 
grown boy, at the age of twelve or thirteen years, was fur- 
nished with a small rifle and a sliot-pouch. He then became 
a fort-soldier, and had his port-hole assigned him. Hunting 
squirrels, turkeys, and raccoons, soon made him expert in the 
use of his gun." Mr. Doddridge then proceeds to mention 
the prevalence of "story telling" — and the kind of fictions 
that were common in those days. They were generally of the 
" Valentine and Orson" school. He then offers some remarks 
that do much credit to his judgment and good sense, and in 
justice to him, we will let him be heard. ''Civilization has 
indeed, banished the use of those ancient tales of romantic 
heroism ; but what then ? It has substituted in their place 
the novel and the romance. It is thus that, in every state 
of society, the imagination of man is eternally at war with 
reason and truth. That fiction should be acceptable to an 
unenlightened people is not to be wondered at, as the treasures 
of truth have never been unfolded to their minds ; but that 
a civilized people themselves, should, in so many instances, 
like barbarians, prefer the fairy regions of fiction to the august 
treasures of truth, developed in the sciences of theology, 
history, natural and moral philosophy, is truly a sarcasm on 
human nature. It is as much as to say that it is essential to 
our amusement, that, for the time being, we must suspend the 
exercise of reason, and submit to a voluntary deception." 

" In the section of country where my father lived," says 
Doddridge, " there was for many years after the settlement 
of the country, 'neither law nor gospel.' Our want of legal 
government was owing to the uncertainty whether we belonged 
to the state of Virginia or Pennsylvania. The line which at 
present divides the two states was not run until sometime 
after the conclusion of the Revolutionary war. .Thus it 
happened that during a long period of time we knew nothing 
of courts, lawyers, magistrates, sheriffs or constables. Every 
one was therefore at liberty to do whatever was right in his 
own eyes." 



THEIR SUMMARY MODES OF JUSTICE. 103 

"As this is a state of society which few of my readers 
have ever witnessed, I shall describe it as minutely as I can, 
and give in detail those moral maxims which, in a great 
degree, answered the important purposes of municipal juris- 
prudence." And we will also here add that what Mr. D. 
states on this subject will serve to throw light upon the moral 
eharacter and condition of a very large portion of that field 
which the members of the Redstone Presbytery occupied, 
especially during the earlier period of their labors. 

" In the first place, let it be observed that in a sparse popu- 
lation, where all the members of the community are well 
known to each other, and especially in a time of war, where 
every man capable of bearing arms is considered highly valu- 
able as a defender of his country, public opinion has its full 
effect, and answers the purposes" of legal government better 
than it would in a dense population and in time of peace. 
Such was the situation of our people along the frontiers of 
our settlements. They had no civil, military, or ecclesiastical 
laws ; at least, none that were enforced ; and yet ' they were 
a law unto themselves,' as to the leading obligations of our 
nature in all the relations in which they stood to each other. 
The turpitude of vice and the majesty of moral virtue were 
then as apparent as they are now ; and they were then re- 
garded with the same sentiments of aversion and respect 
which they inspire at the present time. Industry in working 
and hunting, bravery in war, candor, hospitality, and steadi- 
ness of deportment, received their full reward of public honor 
and public confidence among our rude forefathers, as well as 
among their better instructed and more polished descendants. 
The punishments which they inflicted upon offenders, by the 
imperial court of public opinion, were well adapted for the 
reformation of the culprit, or for his expulsion from the com- 
munity. 

The punishments for lying, idleness, dishonesty, and ill- 
fame, generally was that of "hating the offender out," as 
they expressed it. This mode of chastisement was like the 



104 THE WORTH OP A COW AND CALF. 

wTifjiia of the Greeks. It was a public expression, in various 
ways, of a general sentiment of indignation against such as 
transgressed the moral maxims of the community to which 
they belonged. This commonly resulted either in the reforma- 
tion or banishment of the person against whom it was directed. 
At house-raisings, log-rollings, corn-huskings, and harvest- 
parties, every one was expected to do his duty faithfully. A 
person who did not perform his share of labor on these occa- 
sions was designated by the epithet of "lazy Lawrence," or 
some other title still more opprobrious ; and when it came to 
his turn to require the like aid from his neighbors, the idler 
soon felt his punishment in their refusal to attend his calls. 

Although there was no legal compulsion to the performance 
of military duty, yet every man of full age and size was ex- 
pected to do his full share of public service. If he did not 
do so, he was "hated out as a coward." Even the want of 
any article of war equipments, such as ammunition, a sharp 
flint, a priming-wire, a scalping-knife, or tomahawk, was 
thought disgraceful. A man who, without a reasonable cause, 
failed to go on a scout or campaign when it came to his turn, 
met with an expression of indignation in the countenances of 
all his neighbors, and epithets of dishonor were fastened upon 
him without mercy. 

Debts, which make such an uproar in civilized life, were 
but little known among our forefathers at the early settlement 
of this country. After the depreciation of the Continent-ul 
Paper, they had no money of any kind : every thing pur- 
chased was paid for in produce or labor. A good cow and 
calf was often the price of a bushel of alum salt. If a con- 
tract was not punctually fulfilled, the credit of the delinquent 
was at an end. Any petty theft was punished with all the 
infamy that could be heaped upon the offender. A man on 
a campaign stole from his comrade a cake out of the ashes, in 
which it was baking. He was immediately named the " bread 
rounds." This epithet of reproach -was bandied about in this 
way : Avhen he would come in sight of a group of men, one 



THE " BKEAD-ROUNDS." 105 

of them would call "Who comes there?" Another would 
answer, " The bread rounds." If any one meant to be more 
serious about the matter, he would call out " Who stole a cake 
out of the ashes?" Another replied by giving the name of 
the man in full. To this a third would give confirmation by 
exclaiming " That is true, and no lie." This kind of " tongue- 
lashing " he was doomed to bear for the rest of the campaign, 
as well as for years after his return home. If a theft was 
detected in any of the frontier settlements, a summary mode 
of punishment was often resorted to. The first settlers, as 
far as I knew of them, had a kind of innate or hereditary 
detestation of the crime of theft, in any shape or degree ; 
and their maxim was that "a thief must be whipped." If 
the theft was of something of some value, a kind of jury of 
the neighborhood, after hearing the testimony, would condemn 
the culprit to Moses' law ; that is, to forty stripes, save one. 
If the theft was of some small article, the ofiender was doomed 
to carry on his back the flag of the United States, which then 
consisted of thirteen stripes. In either case, some able hands 
were selected to execute the sentence, so that the stripes were 
sure to be well laid on. This punishment was followed by a 
sentence of exile. He then was informed that he must de- 
camp in so many days, and be seen there no more, on penalty 
of having the number of his stripes doubled. 

" For many years after the law was put in operation in the 
western part of Virginia, the magistrates themselves were in 
the habit of giving those who were brought before them on 
charges of small thefts, the liberty of being sent to jail, or 
taking a whipping. The latter was commonly chosen, and 
was immediately inflicted ; after which the thief was ordered 
to clear out. In some instances, stripes were inflicted, not for 
the punishment of an offence, but for the purpose of extorting 
a confession from suspected persons. This was the torture 
of our early times, and no doubt was sometimes very unjustly 
inflicted. 

"If a woman was given to tattling and slandering her 



106 THE HOSPITALITY OP THESE TIMES. 

neigtibors, she was furnished, by common consent, with a kind 
of patent-i-ight to say whatever she pleased, without being 
believed. The tongue was then said to be harmless, or to be 
no scandal." 

" These peddle were, given to hospitality, and freely divided 
their rough fare with a neighbor, or stranger, and would have 
been offended at the offer of pay. In their settlements and 
forts they lived, they worked, they fought and feasted, or suf- 
fered together, in cordial harmony. They were warm and 
constant in their friendships. On the other hand, they were 
revengeful in their resentments. And the point of honor 
sometimes led to personal combats. If one man called another 
a liar, he was considered as having given a challenge, which 
the person who received it must accept, or be deemed a 
coward ; and the charge was generally answered on the spot 
by a blow. If the injured person was decidedly unable to 
fight the aggressor, he might get a friend to do it for him. 
The same thing took place on a charge of cowardice, or any 
other dishonorable action. A battle must follow, and the per- 
son who made the charge must fight either the person who 
received the charge, or any champion who chose to espouse 
his cause. Thus circumstanced, our people in early times 
were much more cautious of speaking evil of their neighbors, 
than they are at present. 

" Sometimes pitched battles occurred, in which time, place, 
and seconds were appointed beforehand. I remember having 
seen one of those pitched battles in my father's fort, when a 
boy. One of the young me-n knew very well, beforehand, 
that he would get the worst of the battle, and no doubt re- 
pented the engagement to fight ; but there was no getting 
over it. The point of honor demanded the risk of battle. He 
got his whipping; they then shook hands, and were good 
friends afterwards. 

The mode of single combats, in those days, was dangerous 
in the extreme : though no weapons were used, fist, feet and 
teeth were employed at will ; but above all, the detestable 



CONTKAST -WITH THE PRESENT TIMES. 107 

practice of gouging, by which eyes were sometimes put out, 
rendered this mode of fighting frightful indeed. It was not, 
however, so destructive as the stiletto of an Indian, the knife 
of a Spaniard, the small-sword of a Frenchman, or the pistol 
of the American or English duellist. I do not recollect that 
profane language was much more prevalent in our early times 
than at present. 

"What a contrast," says the historian of Western Penn- 
sylvania, " does this picture of early simplicity present to the 
mind ! Great, in many respects, have been the changes 
within the short period of half a century. Now, the inhabit- 
ants of the same region present all the luxuries and refine- 
ments of long-settled European countries. All the fashions 
of dress in the metropolis of Pennsylvania and other Atlantic 
cities, flourish here. The linsey and coarse linens have been 
exchanged for the substantial and fine fabrics of Europe and 
Asia — the hunting-shirt for the fashionable coat of broad- 
cloth, and the moccasin for boots and shoes of tanned leather. 
The mechanics here are not surpassed by any in the East. 
Literature and science receive great attention. By the per- 
severing hand of industry, ' the wilderness has been made to 
blossom,' and the aspect of the country has everywhere been 
changed. The horse-paths along which the first settlers, for 
many years, made their laborious journeys over the moun- 
tains for salt and iron, (and by which all the first set of minis- 
ters, with their families, reached their western homes,) were 
succeeded by wagon-roads ; then by substantial turnpikes ; 
and now by the flaming path of the iron steed. What was 
the far lack-woods to these fathers, is now brought into prox- 
imity, by a few hours of easy travel, with the Atlantic cities. 
Not only have physical changes been wrought, but the rude 
sports of early titues have disappeared. Athletic trials of 
muscular strength have given way to the more noble ambition 
of mental endowments, and skill in useful arts. To the rude 
and often indecent song, have succeeded the psalm, the hymn, 
and the swelling anthem. Yet we have no reason to boast ; 



108 "quality folks." 

in many respects, they "were our equals ; in some of the most 
substantial virtues, perhaps, indeed, our superiors. And well 
might those departed spirits, if permitted to behold our pro- 
gress and our superior advantages, ask us, " What hast thou 
that thou hast not received ?" 

In the foregoing picture of early social life in Western 
Pennsylvania, which we have taken principally from Mr. 
Doddridge, we would not be understood, as we have hereto- 
fore intimated, to exhibit this as the only and universal state 
of society throughout the field of our first ministers. From 
a very early period of the settlement of this country, there 
was a numerous class of persons, possessing a degree of refine- 
ment and intelligence that would have no occasion to blush in 
the presence of any class of persons, native or otherwise, now 
to be found amongst us. Many of them contrived to gather 
around them some of the usual appendages of a higher social 
life. Though their dwellings at first were humble, their 
tables often displayed evidences of progress in the culinary 
art, upon which little advance is anywhere now to be found. 
And so, with their means of resting the weary traveller. 
Throughout a portion of Westmoreland, Fayette, and Wash- 
ington counties, there were many gentlemen farmers, of 
refined, easy manners, courtly in their address, social and 
hospitable, always ready to receive our ministers on their 
weary journeys to distant meetings, or to the destitute settle- 
ments. Some of this class, with their wives and families, 
were, or became members of our churches. They were the 
"quality folks," as they were called by the people. Now, it 
is worthy of notice, that almost all our first ministers Avere 
the right sort of men to win the respect and esteem of this 
class, and not to repel them by any boorishness in their own 
manners. Their own intelligence, politeness, and refinement, 
gave them an easy and welcome admission into such circles, 
wherever they existed. Thus, with this class of families scat- 
tered around them through their respective fields of labor, 
they were greatly aided in their efi^orts at the general improve- 



THE MIDDLE CLASS. 109 

ment of the domestic and social state of the country. It may 
seem an extravagant statement, but we verily believe, that, 
almost in the very midst of such, a state of society as Mr. 
Doddridge describes, there were to be found persons of the 
bland |nd courtly manners of the old school, such as can sel- 
dom now be found in circles of the highest pretension. John 
Randolph, speaking of the decline of this class of geiitlemen 
of the "old school," once said that he knew of but one real 
gentleman left in all Virginia ; and that was an old, gray- 
headed slave. In Western Pennsylvania, sixty years ago, 
there were gentlemen, and ladies too, such as he referred to ; 
and in some instances they were warm-hearted, intelligent 
Christians. 

In addition to this class, there was a still more numerous 
class of plain, substantial Scotch-Irish people, who, though 
somewhat blunt and unpolished in their manners, yet for real 
kindness of disposition, integrity, and hospitality, are not 
excelled by any of their descendants. Too much praise can- 
not be bestowed upon the female sex of this middle class. 
There was a quiet energy of character, a patient endurance 
of the hardships of frontier life, and a cheerful submission to 
domestic privations, which entitle them to the grateful remem- 
brance of the present generation. Numbers of them were 
called to bear a prominent part in many a bloody scene and 
perilous adventure with their savage neighbors. A volume 
could not contain all the thrilling stories that have been told 
of female sufferings, of female prowess, and of female presence 
of mind and promptness to seize upon happy expedients, in 
moments of imminent peril. Then, in more peaceful times, 
woman was a most efficient fellow-laborer in building up our 
western Zion. If Paul, in writing to his Christian brethren 
of Philippi, desired that help should be afforded "to those 
women that labored with him in the gospel," no doubt our 
early ministers, from their experience of similar co-operation, 
could sympathize with him in such grateful reminiscences. 
And they trained their children to fear God, to tell the truth, 



110 EARLY FEMALE PIETY. 

to reverence the Sabbath and house of God, to work hard, 
and to be honest in all their dealings. Though we have now 
better-educated mothers, we are compelled to doubt whether 
we have, on the whole, letter mothers. If there is more 
refinement and intelligence now, is there not more feebleness 
of character, more dependence on the conventionalities of 
modern- social life, and greater physical, if not mental imbe- 
cility ? There are noble exceptions, doubtless. But is there 
not something still wanting in our modern system of female 
education ? In their successful attempts to polish and refine 
the female character, may the ladies not divest themselves of 
many of the substantial qualities of our early western mo- 
thers? They become more lovely and charming. But do 
they become more capable of fulfilling their "mission?" "We 
like the views of Mr. Dymond, the Quaker philosopher, on 
this subject. See his "Essays on Principles of Morality," p. 




IRl^® (gy AISLES ilATFTY^ 
PirslTxesbyleriaiv MissLOTiary.West oi We Mouutaiiis. 



PSJ>^iia/Sn^f 



CHAPTER III. 

■WHEN WERE THE EIRST EFrORTS MADE TO INTRODUCE THE 
GOSPEL IN THE WEST ? 

The trials and sufferings of the early settlers in the "West, 
must have enlisted the sympathies of their friends and their 
countrymen, generally, east of the mountains. Our own 
people of the Presbyterian church, we have no doubt, shared 
largely in the anxieties and prayers of their pious friends and 
the churches they had left behind, when they took their lives 
in their hands and came out to pitch their tents in the howling 
wilderness. It is interesting and instructive to review the 
various proceedings of the synod of New York and Philadel- 
phia (our highest judicatory till 1789), in reference to the 
"West. At the first meetirig of that body, upon their happy 
reuniouiln 1758, we find a record respecting the appointment 
of a solemn fast ; that shows not only their sympathy for the 
suffering people of the frontier settlements, but also in what 
light they regarded the war with the French and Indians that 
was then spreading its desolating ravages over the western 
settlements. This is their language : " Considering the 
calamities of war, and dangers that threaten us from savage 
and anti-cJiristian enemies, the ravages and barbarities com- 
mitted on our borders, and how much our success depends on 
this campaign" — perhaps the campaign under General Forbes, 
just about, at that time, to set out for the re-capture of Fort 
DuQuesne, " and being sensible that God has been greatly 
provoked by our ingratitude for mercies received, the decay 
of vital religion, the prevailing of vice and immorality in the 
land, and the contempt of gospel light, liberty and privileges, 
we judge ourselves loudly called upon to repentance and 
humiliation ; and accordingly the synod recommend that a 

111 



112 OPINIONS ON THE FRENCH WAR. 

day of fasting and prayer be observed by all the congrega- 
tions under our care, to deprecate the wrath of God, to pray 
for a blessing on his Majesty's armaments by sea and land in 
order to secure a lasting and honorable peace, and in particular 
for the success of our intended expeditions in America," 
(there were three then in progress ; one against Louisburg — 
another against Ticonderoga and Crown Pointy and the third 
against Fort DuQuesne,) — for the prosperity of his Prussian 
Majesty's arms and advancement of the Protestant interest ; 
for the overthrow of anti-christian errors^ superstition^ and 
tyranny ; and the universal spread of pure and undefiled 
religion. And it is ordered that the members within the 
bounds of this province, observe it on the 16th of June next, 
being the day appointec^by this government for that purpose," 
&c. (Records, p. 290.) It is manifest that the synod regarded 
this war' in part, if not mainly designed to promote the 
interests of Antichrist, and to extend the boundaries of the 
man of sin. It is likewise worthy of notice that President 
Davies, in his Fast-day Sermon called "the Crisis," preached 
two years before, in reference to this same war — regarded it 
much in the same light. "Who can tell," says he, "but the 
present war is the commencement of this grand decisive con- 
flict between the lamb and the beast ; i. e., between the pro- 
testant and popish powers? The pope first received his 
principality and secular authority from Pepin, one of the 
kings of France ; and there seems to be something congruous 
in it, that France should also take the lead, and be, as it were, 
the general of his forces, in the last decisive conflict for the 
support of his authority. This is also remarkable and almost 
peculiar to the present war, that protestants and papists are 
not blended together in it, by promiscuous alliances ; but 
France and her allies are all papists, and Britain and her 
allies are dill protestants." 

But the sympathies and the action of the synod terminated 
not here. We find two years after, 1760, the Pev. 3Iess)'S. 
A. M'-Dowel and R. Allison are allowed to go out as chap- 



THE FIRST MISSIONARIES TO THE "WEST. 113 

lains to the "West, with the Pennsylvania forces. And in the 
two successive years, they petitioned the governor of Penn- 
sylvania, and the Assembly, in behalf of the captives among 
the savages to the West — earnestly imploring their attempts 
to recover them. (See Records, pp. 312, 315.) In 1763, 
the synod took another step to supply the spiritual wants of 
the frontiers. They recommended to all their Presbyteries 
to 2^ropose one or more of their candidates that they think 
proper to be sent to their frontier settlements, and that they 
let their candidates know that they intend to propose them 
as such, to the synod, " that so our synodical appointments 
may be more punctually fulfilled" (p. 324). But we find 
another record of greater significance still, illustrating the 
interest the synod took for this western region, in 1763. It 
seems that the " Corporation for poor and distressed Presby- 
terian ministers," &c., had, at their meeting, November 16, 
1762, agreed to appoint some of their members to wait on 
the synod, at its next meeting, and in their name to request 
that some missionaries be sent to preach to the distressed 
frontier inhaMtants, and to report their distresses, and to let 
them know when new congregations are forming and what is 
necessary to promote the spread of the gospel among them, 
and that they likewise give information as to what opportu- 
nities there may be of preaching the gospel to the Indian 
nations among them. The Board also proposed to pay the 
necessary expenses of such missionaries. The synod accord- 
ingly appointed the Rev. Messrs. Beatty and Brainerd 
(brother of the missionary,) to go as soon as they can con- 
veniently on this mission. The length of time is not 
mentioned; but it is evident, from the amount of supplies 
they assigned to their pulpits in their absence, that they were 
expected to spend several months in this service, (Records, 
p. 326.) But they were prevented from going ; as they 
reported at the next meeting of synod, 1764, "the whole 
design of the mission being entirely frustrated by the breaking- 
out of the Indian war." This was what was called Pontiac's 
8 



114 THE GREAT DISTRESS OF THE PEOPLE. 

war, producing one of the most awful periods of distress ever 
before or after experienced in AVestern Pennsylvania. Though 
the French War was now over, the savages, instigated, it is 
believed, by their late allies, carried on their ravages on the 
frontiers, even worse than ever. The Indian chieftain Pontiac 
was ostensibly at the head of this widely extended Indian 
war. But the Canadian French Catholics were at the bottom 
of it all. " The Avhole country west of Shippensburg became 
the prey of the fierce barbarians. They set fire to houses, 
barns, corn, hay, and everything that was combustible. The 
wretched inhabitants whom they surprised at night, at their 
meals, or in the labours of the field, were massacred with the 
utmost cruelty and barbarity ; and those who fled were scarce 
more happy. Overwhelmed by sorrow, without shelter or 
means of transportation, their tardy flight was impeded by 
fainting women and weeping children. On the 25th July, 
1763, there were in Shippensburg, 138-i poor, distressed 
back inhabitants, viz., men, 301 ; women, 345 ; children, 738 ; 
many of whom were obliged to lie in barns, stables, cellars, 
and under old leaky sheds, the dwelling-houses being all 
crowded." (Hist. West. Penn.) Such is the frightful picture 
given us of the state of the country, during that summer that 
these missionaries were to have spent in preaching the gospel 
in Western Pennsylvania. But the signal victory gained over 
the Indians by Colonel Boquet, at Brush Creek, or rather at 
Bushy Run, in Westmoreland County, during the following 
autumn — so dismayed the savages that they not only gave 
up all further designs against Fort Pitt and the surrounding 
country, but withdrew from the frontiers, far beyond the 
Ohio, and left our people, for a while, again at peace.* Then 
the Synod, in 1766, renewed the appointment of Mr. Beatty, 

* Yet the synod this very year, 1763, renewed their effojts for our 
Western frontiers. It is recorded, May. 24 — "As the Synod have the 
mission to the frontier much at heart, therefore, lest it miscarry, it is 
ordered that if either Mr. Beatty or INIr. Brainerd fail of going, Mr. 
Kirkpatrick shall go in the place of the person who fails." 



MESSRS. BEATTY AXD DUFFIELD. 115 

and instead of Mr. Brainerd, gave him Mr. Duffield as Ms 
associate ; directing them to spend two months on this mis- 
sion. Thej accordingly came out, and were in Pittsburg in 
September. The historian of Pittsburg gives the following 
account of this visit : 

"In the summer of 1766, the Rev. Charles Beattj, the 
grandfather of the Rev. C. C. Beattj, D.D., of Steubenville, was 
appointed, by the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, to 
visit the frontier inhabitants, in order that a better judgment 
might be formed of what assistance it might be necessary to 
afford them in their present low circumstances, in order to 
promote the gospel among them, and also to visit the Indians, 
in case it could be done safely. On Friday, the 5th Septem- 
ber, late in the evening, he arrived at Fort Pitt. He imme- 
diately waited on Captain Murray, the commandant, who 
received him and his companion, Mr. Duffield, politely, and 
introduced them to the Rev. Mr. M'Lagan, the chaplain to 
the 42d regiment. The officers were all very kind to them, 
invited them to their tables, gave them a room in the fort, 
and supplied them with bedding, so that they were as com- 
fortable as could be expected. On Sabbath, 7th September, 
Mr. M'Lagan invited him to preach in the garrison, which 
he did ; while Mr. Duffield preached to the people, who live 
in some kind of a town without the fort, to whom Mr. Beatty 
also preached in the afternoon." The writer adds : "we infer, 
from the expression ' some kind of a town,' that Pittsburg 
must have been a poor affair indeed." — Sut. Pitts. 

These brethren accordingly reported to the Synod, at their 
next meeting, 1767, that they had complied with the order of 
last Synod, in going on a mission to the frontiers. We have 
no doubt that this was a refreshing visit to many of God's 
dear suffering people in this region. They appear to have 
been the right sort of men for such an important work — men 
eminently devoted to the cause of Christ and of missions. 
There is much reason to believe that, on their return to their 
churches and to the Synod, they gave a fresh impulse to 



116 UNION OF FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC MISSIONS. 

prayerful efforts in behalf of the religious interests of the 
West. For they reported that " they found on the frontiers 
numbers of people earnestly desirous of forming themselves 
into congregations, and declaring their -willingness to exert 
their utmost to have the gospel among them, but in circum- 
stances exceedingly distressing and necessitous from the late 
calamities of war in their parts ; and also that they visited the 
Indians at the chief town of the Delaware nation, on the Mus- 
kingum, about 130 miles beyond Fort Pitt, and were received 
much more cheerfully than they could have expected ; that a 
considerable number of them waited on the preaching of the 
gospel with peculiar attention, many of them appearing pecu- 
liarly concerned about the great matters of religion ; that 
they expressed an earnest desire of having further opportu- 
nities of hearing those things ; that they informed them that 
several other tribes of Indians around them were ready to 
join with them in receiving the gospel, and earnestly desiring 
an opportunity." 

The Synod were so favorably impressed with this account, 
that they appointed, instanter, Messrs. Brainerd and Cooper 
to pay a visit to the frontier settlements and the Indians, and 
spend at least three months in their mission, and forbade them 
to take any money from the frontier settlements for their 
ministerial labors among them. The Synod also, at this meet- 
ing, " laying to heart the unhappy lot of many people in va- 
rious parts of the land, who at present are brought up in 
ignorance, and are perishing for lack of knowledge ; who, on 
account of their poverty, or scattered habitations, are unable, 
without some assistance, to support the gospel ministry among 
them : considering, also, that it is their duty to send mission- 
aries to the frontier settlements, who may preach to the dis- 
persed families there, and form them into societies for the 
worship of God, and being moved with compassion towards 
the Indians," &c., entered upon a new and much more sys- 
tematic plan of carrying on the work of missions — enjoining 
annual collections in all the churches — directing Presbyteries 



NEW MISSIONARIES SENT OUT. 117 

to appoint treasurers — appointing themselves a general trea- 
surer — requiring annual reports, &c. In fine, it is evident 
that the Synod were, at this meeting, baptized afresh with a 
missionary spirit ; and it was probably largely owing, under 
God, to the instrumentality of Messrs. Beatty and Buffield. 
And who knows but that James Finley first formed the pur- 
pose, then and there, of spending his life eventually, if God 
should spare him, amongst that people of whom he now 
heard so afflicting an account ? for he was at that meeting. 

The prospect now appeared, indeed, to brighten ; but alas ! 
many long years of trial and sorrow must roll round before 
the West is supplied with faithful laborers in its growing and 
spreading harvest ! At the next meeting of Synod, 1767, 
Messrs. Cooper and Brainerd reported "that they did not 
execute their mission among the Indians on the Muskingum 
and other parts, as ordered at last Synod, by reason of the 
discouraging accounts brought in by the interpreter, Joseph, 
sent out, as mentioned in our last-year's minutes, and other 
discouraging circumstances. It seems that, being discouraged 
as to the prospect of that part of their work which related to 
the heathen natives, they did not feel warranted to undertake 
that part of their appointment which related to the frontier 
settlements. And so another year passed without a visit to 
our people in the AVest. Hitherto, those appointed by the 
Synod were entrusted with the two-fold work of both Domestic 
and Foreign Missions. The failure of the latter, during the 
last year, producing' a sad failure of the former, also put the 
Synod, perhaps, upon the appointment of eleven of their 
most prominent members, lay and clerical, to devise a distinct 
and general plan in regard to missions among the Indians. 
They also appointed Mr. Anderson " to take a tour on the 
western frontiers of Pennsylvania ; to set off as soon as pos- 
sible, and preach in the vacancies on the frontiers at least 
twelve Sabbaths ; for which he is to receive twenty shillings 
for every Sabbath that he preaches on the other side of the 
Kittatinning Mountains ; and to take his directions from 



118 MR. FINLEY FIRST APPEARS. 

Donegal Presbytery." Wliether this appointment was ful- 
filled, or -whether it brought him into what are now the western 
counties of the State, we do not learn from the records of the 
ensuing year, 1769. The Synod, however, ordered the Pres- 
bytery of Donegal to supply the Western Frontier with ten 
sabbaths of ministerial labor ; but whether it was fulfilled 
we cannot learn, as there is no recorded report. Mr. Niles, 
however, was then appointed to labor in part in Western 
Pennsylvania, but failed through sickness. Mr. Finley, also, 
was then (1771) appointed to spend two months " at least 
over the Allegheny Mountains;" which he reported fulfilled 
at the next meeting, 1772 ; p. 426. This excellent man, we 
doubt not, gave full proof of his ministry amongst the dis- 
persed sheep of the house of Israel, and amongst the famish- 
ing lambs of the flock. If he was at Pittsburg during that 
tour, he found a little village of twenty houses, and perhaps 
120 people. In other places, he would find the people, just 
at this time, harassed with the conflicting claims and jurisdic- 
tions of the two states of Pennsylvania and Virginia ; a mat- 
ter which soon after increased to a fearful flame of excite- 
ment, and was no doubt a great hindrance to the progress of 
the gospel. But he came not among them to discuss the 
merits of that question ; and whether with Virginians or 
Pennsylvanians, he would know nothing among them save 
Christ, and him crucified. In 1772, the Donegal Presbytery 
were appointed " to send either Mr. Craighead or Mr. King 
to Monongahela and other places adjacent, to supply as long 
as they can." Which this Presbytery report the following 
year as complied with, but do not state which of these minis- 
ters they sent, nor how long he labored. Then in the next 
succeeding year, 1775 *, Mr. Forster, also, was appointed to 
supply six Sabbaths in the frontier parts of Pennsylvania in 

* " Mr. Samuel Smith, a probationer under the care of the Newcastle 
Presbytery, was appointed to supply four months between this and the 
next meeting of Synod on the frontier parts of Pennsylvania and in 
Virginia, if his state of health shall admit of it." 



FURTHER ACCOUNTS OF MISSIONS. 119 

the montlis of September and October. , But tbe records of 
tbe next year are silent as to his complying or not complying 
with this mission. In 1776, the Synod appointed Mr. Car- 
michael to supply two months — October and November — in 
the north and west parts of Pennsylvania ; and the Presby- 
tery of Newcastle were ordered to supply his pulpit four Sab- 
baths, and gave the same Presbytery leave to ordain Mr. 
Power sine titulo, " as he purposes to remove to the western 
parts of this province." Up to this date we have traced the 
history of the various proceedings of the Synods of New 
York and Philadelphia in reference to this field. We see 
from the recital of facts on their records, that, for near 
twenty years hefore the first ordained minister removed to the 
West^ the then supreme judicatory paid almost unremitting 
attention to this important section of their territory. Several 
devoted men came out, and no doubt labored faithfully, in 
trying to gather the sheep in the wilderness. Still, down to 
our last date, it was yet indeed a wilderness, and much of it 
long continued so ; but it was beginning " to blossom as the 
rose." In a few more years, seven faithful men are found at 
their stations in this vast field, and henceforward the Synod 
is exonerated from farther care, except that which they have 
for all their churches. 

Some further account of the Rev. Charles Beatty may very 
properly find a place here. We have had occasion to call 
special attention to this devoted servant of Christ, when we 
endeavored to trace the history of the Synod's efi"orts and 
action, in behalf of the spiritual wants of the West. 
•^ Charles Beatty, one of the first regular Presbyterian mis- 
sionaries to Western Pennsylvania, was a man of no ordinary 
character and worth. It is evident, from the early records 
of our Church, that he occupied a prominent position among 
the brethren and fathers of his day. He was born in the 
County of Antrim, Ireland, about the year 1715. His father, 
John Beatty, was also a native of Ireland, of the Scotch- Irish 
stock, and was an officer in the British army. His mother, 



120 MR. leatty's early life. 

Christiana Beatty, ■whose maiden name was Clinton, was of 
English descent. His father died when he was very young ; 
and his mother, with her brother, Charles Clinton,* their fami- 
lies, and several others of their relatives and friends, resolved 
to emigrate to America. They were induced to leave the 
country of their birth, principally in consequence of the oppres- 
sive acts of the Established Church towards the Dissenters. 
They were Presbyterians. They embarked for Philadelphia 
in the latter end of May, 1729 ; but owing to a peculiar and 
disastrous train of circumstances, did not arrive until the 
month of October, when they were landed at Cape Cod.f 
They resided in the vicinity of that place until the spring of 
1731, when they removed, with their families, to a part of 
Ulster, now Orange County, New York, where they formed a 
flourishing settlement. ' 

Mr. Beatty 's inheritance was the manly and religious train- 
ing which the Scotch-Irish are accustomed to give their chil- 
dren. His education, however, was above the common grade. 
In Ireland he had been sent to a classical institution, and had 
obtained a good knowledge of the languages, before he emi- 
grated to this country. Providence designed the young stu- 
dent for a useful career in a distant land, and gave him the 
early advantages and opportunities which prepared him for 

* Charles Clinton was the father of George Clinton, Governor of the 
State of New York, and Vice-President of the United States, and grand- 
father of De Witt Clinton, also Governor of New York. 

t They engaged a ship at Dublin, commanded by a Captain Rymer, 
and had her bound to them for the faithful performance of their agree- 
ment. For several days before they landed, their allowance was half a 
biscuit and half a pint of water for twenty-four hours. Several of the 
passengers died of famine, among whom was a daughter' of Christiana 
Beatty, and a son and daughter of her brother, Charles Clinton. It was 
believed by the passengers that the Captain had been bribed j» subject 
them to privation and hardship, for the purpose of discouraging emigra- 
tion. Cape Cod was the first land seen by them on the American coast ; 
and there the Captain was induced, by a considerable sum of money, 
to land them. 



HIS TEAINING AT THE "LOG COLLEGE." 121 

influence in future life. Like many a faithful servant of 
Christ, Mr. Beatty was not rich in this world's goods, though 
far from being of a low origin ; for few families in this country 
were of a higher or better lineage. With a noble energy and 
independence of spirit, he became, for a season, a pedlar, seek- 
ing thereby the requisite means to qualify himself, the sooner, 
for whatever business or station the Providence of God might 
open to him in future life. This business brought him, in his 
excursions, to the Log College, at Neshaminy, then under 
the care of the celebrated William Tenant. His acquaintance 
with that excellent man led to his entering upon a course of 
study with a view to the gospel ministry. Of this remarkable 
passage in his history we shall have more to say hereafter. 
Suffice it now to say, that here he pursued his studies at a 
most eventful time. 

The Presbyterian Church was agitated by the different 
views entertained about the degree of closeness and searching 
stringency to which candidates for the ministry should be 
subjected, in inquiries about their experimental acquaintance 
with religion — which ultimately ended in the schism of 1745. 
The Log College was the training place of the revival men. 
Its influence was for the purity of the Church, and for the sal- 
vation of souls. It resisted the formality of a dead orthodoxy, 
and inculcated the necessity of a living zeal in the Christian 
ministry. 

Mr. Beatty was probably an inmate of the Log College 
when Whitefield first visited Philadelphia ; and no doubt 
heard that great man when he preached the gospel in the 
old grave-yard of Neshaminy, where the old church formerly 
stood. Trained up under such influences, Mr. Beatty united 
zeal to orthodoxy, and became a burning and a shining light. 
He was licensed October 13th, 1742, by the Presbytery 
of New Brunswick, which took the lead on the new side, and 
which had withdrawn — or rather had been exscinded — from 
the Synod two years before. In this year, the increasing 
infirmities of old Mr. Tenant induced him to seek a release 
16 



122 THE ORIGIN OF HIS MISSIONARY SPIRIT. 

from his pastoral charge ; and in the following year a call 
was presented from Neshaminy to Mr. Beatty, and he was 
ordained December 14th, 1743. The last time that Mr. Te- 
nant sat in Presbytery was at this ordination of his pupil. 
-, About this time, in consequence of the publication of Brai- 
nerd's "Journal" of missionary labors among the Indians, a 
missionary spirit seems to have been kindled among the minis- 
ters of the Presbyterian Church, in connection with the Synod 
of New York and New Jersey. Under this influence, both 
Mr. Beatty and Mr. Treat, of Abington, left their congrega- 
tions, and went on a mission to the Indians. Previous to the 
unhappy schism in the Synod of Philadelphia, in 1745 — 
which led to the formation of the new side Synod of New 
York and New Jersey — the Presbytery of New Brunswick 
had withdrawn, as already stated ; and any further notice of 
it is not found in the Records of Synod, after 1741. But Mr. 
Beatty's name does not then appear. 

At the first separate meeting of the new-side synod in 1745, 
he is reported among the members of the New Brunswick 
Presbytery as J9?'ese;2^; and then, as such, regularly at all 
the subsequent meetings for eight years, till we come to the 
year 1753, when he is thenceforward reported as a member 
of the Abington Presbytery. In 1754 he was appointed, 
along with Mr. Bostwick and others, to spend three months 
as a missionary in Virginia and North Carolina, which mis- 
sion he reported at the next meeting of synod in 1755 as 
fulfilled. In the following year it appears that, having been 
invited to become chaplain for a season to the Pennsylvania 
troops that were about to be sent to the northern and western 
frontiers of the State, under the command of Dr. Franklin, 
he sought advice of the synod whether he should accept of 
this appointment. It appears that, at a meeting of the com- 
mission of synod, they were informed that a motion bad been 
lately made to him by the government of Pennsylvania to go 
out as chaplain with their forces upon the frontiers, and he 
desired that some provision might be made for the supply of 



REV. CHARLES BEATTY — DR. FRANKLIN. 123 

his pulpit. The commission, accordingly, had appointed 
Abington Presbytery to supply four Sabbaths, the Presbytery 
of New York three Sabbaths, the Presbytery of New Bruns- 
wick four Sabbaths, and the Presbytery of Newcastle five 
Sabbaths. In this case, he did not apply for advice. But it 
is manifest that the commission had expressed their cordial 
concurrence. But now, having sought and obtained the 
advice of the synod, it seems probable that he entered upon 
the service soon after ; for it was in the earlier part of this 
year that Eranklin set out with the troops. During that 
campaign, we have this rather amusing notice from the pen 
of the Philosopher-General : 

" We had for our chaplain a zealous Presbyterian minister, 
Mr. Beatty, who complained to me that the men did not gene- 
rally attend his prayers and exhortations. When they en- 
listed they were promised, besides pay and provisions, a gill 
of rum a day, which was punctually served out to them, half 
in the morning and half in the evening ; and I observed they 
were punctual in attending to receive it : upon which I said 
to Mr. Beatty, ' It is perhaps below the dignity of your pro- 
fession to act as steward of the rum ; but if you were to 
distribute it out, only just after prayers, you would have them 
all about you.' He liked the thought, undertook the task, 
and, with the help of a few hands to measure out the liquor, 
executed it to satisfaction ; and never were prayers more 
generally and more punctually attended. So that I think 
this method preferable to the punishment inflicted by some 
military laws, for non-attendance on divine service." — Bays 
Eist. Coll. 

At the following fall meeting of synod, he " desired to 
know their mind with respect to his going chaplain to the 
forces that may be raised in the province of Pennsylvania, if 
he shall by the government be called to that service." The 
synod judged it to be his duty, and, in the event of his going, 
appointed ample supplies for his pulpit. {Rec. p. 275.) He 
was present at the meeting of synod in 1757, and also in 



124 DEATH OF A FAITHFUL MINISTER. 

1758 — the last separate meeting of that synod. At that 
meeting, informing the synod that Col. Armstrong had asked 
him to serve as chaplain to the first hattalion of Pennsylvania 
Provincials, Mr. Beatty asked advice of the synod as to his 
duty in this matter. They unanimously advised him to go. 
Two days afterwards, the synods, after a separation of thir- 
teen years, were again united; and Mr. Beatty's name is 
found among the "present." Thenceforward we find him 
occupying a prominent place in the proceedings of the united 
synod, (and moderator of the body in 1764,) till his name 
finally disappears, perhaps shortly before he was called to his 
rest. He had been appointed a trustee of New Jersey Col- 
lege in 1763, and continued its ardent and efficient friend till 
his death ; indeed, sacrificed his life in endeavoring to pro- 
mote its prosperity; for he died in Barbadoes, August 13th, 
1772, whither he had gone to solicit funds for the college. 
Dr. Alexander, in his "Log College," says, "Mr. Beatty 
was an able evangelical preacher, and was much esteemed for 
his private virtues and public labors. He seems to have much 
of a public spirit and a popular address." "We will conclude 
our present paper with an extract from Dr. Miller's " Life of 
Dr. Rodgers," respecting the subject of the above notice, and 
a remark or two suggested by Dr. M.'s statement. 

" The Rev. Charles Beatty, a native of Ireland, obtained 
a pretty accurate classical education in his own country ; but 
his circumstances being narrow, he employed several of the 
first years of his residence in America in the business of a 
pedlar.* He halted one day at the Log College. The ped- 

* Dr. Miller, though a model of politeness and refinement, does not 
mince his language in giving this anecdote. He might have used the • 
expression "itinerant merchant," and spoken of his "carrying goods 
for sale into country neighborhoods." But it seems he preferred the 
plain, old-fashioned term, "pedlar." He used to tell us at Princeton 
of a new translation of the New Testament once published in England, 
in which the author, instead of the old expression, " a certain rich 
man," employed the words "a certain opulent gentleman." The late 



KEMARKS ON DR. MILLER'S LANGUAGE. 125 

lar, to Mr. Tenant's surprise, addressed him in correct Latin, 
and appeared to be familiar with that language. After much 
conversation, in which Mr. Beattj manifested fervent piety 
and considerable religious knowledge, as well as a good edu- 
cation in other respects, Mr. Tenant said ' Go and sell off the 
contents of your pack, and return immediately and study 
with me. It will be a sin for you to continue a pedlar when 
you can be so much more useful in another profession.' * He 
accepted Mr. Tenant's offer, and in due time became an emi- 
nent minister of the gospel. He was chaplain in the army, 
under Dr. Franklin, on the Lehigh. He died at Barbadoes, 
whither he had gone to solicit benefactions for New Jersey 
College." We cannot but admire the spirit of energy and 
self-reliance which Mr. Beatty had previously displayed ; and 
then his prompt and cheerful acceptance of Mr. Tenant's pro- 
Rev. Elisha M'Curdy, -who, perhaps, had more of the spirit aud fire of 
the early preachers than any of his cotemporaries, was once a road- 
wagoner, and always spoke of himself as such, and never was known 
to talk of his having "engaged in the transportation business." Nor 
did John Newton ever speak of his once having been a " mariner," but 
a common sailor in a slave ship ! We confess it would greatly diminish 
our respect for any of the descendants or relatives of Beatty, or 
M'Curdy, or Newton, if we were aware they would feel hurt by having 
the plain old-fashioned expressions adopted aOout the former employ- 
ments or pursuits of their ancestors. Shades of Roger Sherman and 
Daniel Sheffy ! to what are we- republicans, and followers of the reputed 
Son of the Carpenter, coming, in this ambitious age of family preten- 
sions ! We shall nest, perhaps, hear the Apostle Peter called " a pisca- 
torial merchant," instead of a "fisherman." 

* This language is changed, but not improved, we think, by the 
writer of the " Biographical Sketch of Charles Beatty," in the Presby- 
terian Magazine for 1852, p. 413, in the following manner: "You 
must quit your present employment. Go and sell your merchandize, 
and return immediately and study with me. It will be a sin for you 
to continue in this profession when you may become qualified for the 
ministry and be useful in winning souls !" We appreciate the probable 
motive of the writer in giving this "various reading," but differ with 
him in our judgment and taste — perhaps erroneously. 



126 MR. beatty's example. 

posal. "We do not wonder that he became, through future 
life, no ordinary man. Too niany of our young men are apt 
to run into the one or the other of two extremes. Some yield 
to a tame helplessness and inertness of character — what Dr. 
Speece, of Virginia, expressed by a homely word — "granny- 
ism." They seem to think it a great hardship to be thrown 
on their own resources, and often evince great reluctance to 
make any effort to help themselves along in their education. 
Others cherish a morbid feeling of dislike to the offer of any 
aid from the church. They imagine they become, in that 
case, a species of paupers — mere "charity students." No 
view of the case can be more false than this. Who ever 
dreams that, when our country sustains the expenses of train- 
ing young men at AYest Point for her future service, should 
she need them, she is performing an act of charity ? And 
if the church, in her wisdom, makes provision, by her Board 
of Education, for training young men for the gospel ministry, 
and for her service, and thereby provides for her own more 
rapid growth, inviting poor and pious young men to accept 
her aid, that thereby they may the sooner become ready to 
serve her in her great mission, is it not folly and presumption 
in any young man practically to impeach the collected wisdom 
of the church, and to decline her proffered assistance ? say- 
ing, in effect, "It is true I wish to preach the gospel ; but 
unless I can get into the ministry by my own efforts, I will 
not serve God in the gospel of his Son ; or, at at least, I will 
suffer a few more years of my short life to pass away, though 
the church ie inviting me to hasten to her work, and sinners 
are daily going down to eternal death!" Ought not such a 
young man to review the motives which have ever led him to 
turn his thoughts to the ministry? Of one thing we are 
sure : he will never become a Charles Beatty. 

We have thought the above tribute was due to the memory 
of a man whose name has been seldom pronounced (except as 
belonging to his greatly respected relative) by any now living 



THE STYLE OF THEIR BUILDINGS. ^ 127 

in the bounds of the old Presbytery of Redstone — a man 
whom God, through his church, first sent to preach the gospel 
amidst the wilds of the West. 

Since the above was written, we have been favored with the 
perusal of the whole Journal of Mr. Beatty when on his tour 
to the West ; but, though exceedingly interesting, we find 
nothing further to extract from it that is of essential import- 
ance to our purpose. For the earlier part of this memoir, 
we are indebted to the writer referred to in the last note. 



CHAPTER IV. 

STATEMENTS ABOUT THE REDSTONE PRESBYTERY. 

There are some general facts and circumstances connected 
with the history of the old Presbytery of Redstone, and the 
period to which it belongs, worthy of notice. The following 
remarks, somewhat miscellaneous, ought not, perhaps, to be 
overlooked. 

1. This presbytery, as the sole undivided presbytery of the 
West, extended through a period of twelve years, its first 
meeting being on the 19th of September, 1781, and its last 
on the 18th of October, 1793. It held forty-one meetings. 
Nine times it met at Pigeon Creek, six times at Chartier's, 
five times at Rehoboth, four times at Roundhill, three times 
at Dunlap's Creek, twice at Mount Pleasant and Bethel, and 
once at Bufi'alo, Peters's Creek, Lebanon, Pittsburg, Laurel 
Hill, Upper Racoon, Short Creek* and Three Ridges, James 
M'Kee's, Fairfield, and Long Run. There was but one "pro 
re nata" meeting during all that time, which met in Winches- 
ter, by order of the Synod of Virginia, at the time. Its 
object was simply to receive Mr. Barr's application for a dis- 
mission to the Presbytery of Carlisle. 

It will be seen by the foregoing statement, that the greater 
number of their meetings were held without the bounds of the 
present Redstone Presbytery. They met twenty-two times in 
what are now the bounds of the Ohio and AYashington Pres- 
byteries, twice in the bounds of the present Blairsville Pres- 
bytery, and seventeen times within the bounds of the present 
Redstone Presbytery. This old presbytery originally con- 
sisted of but four members ; three of whom, Mr. Dod, Mr. 

128 



THE VAST AMOUNT OF LABOR. 129 

M'Mlllan, and Mr. Smith, were settled out of its present 
bounds. A very large majority of the churches, also, were 
beyond the present limits of the Presbytery. But the vacan- 
cies to which supplies were furnished in 1782 and 1783, (there 
were none appointed at their first meeting in 1781,) were all 
in the bounds of the present Redstone, except one, the Ohio 
Court-house, a place that stood some miles west of the present 
town of Washington, and that vanishes and appears no more 
in the subsequent lists of supplies. But the next year, 1783, 
ten Sabbaths of supplies were sent without the present 
bounds, and only four within. In 1784, seventeen Sabbaths 
were given to vacancies and missionary fields without the 
present bounds, and only seven within. The disparity be- 
comes greater every year as we advance, and as the amount 
of supplies increases from year to year. In 1788, there were 
thirty supplies given to the territory now embraced by Red- 
stone Presbytery, and eighty-eight to churches and regions 
without. This enormous increase of the supplies granted, 
was owing to their having now, for the first time, two licen- 
tiates, Messrg. Hughes and Brice, who were licensed April 
16th, 1788. In the above statement, we have mentioned 
only those that are expressly named. But this by no means 
gives the full amount of supplies furnished by the Presbytery. 
A very lai-ge proportion of these supplies were " at discre- 
tion." For instance, in 1783, when this part of their work 
fairly began, there were only fourteen Sabbaths assigned to 
places expressly named, while there were ten additional Sab- 
baths at discretion ; making in all, for that year, twenty-four 
Sabbaths of supplies. 

2, The next thing to which we would direct attention is the 
vast amount of labor, of this missionary character, which 
these fathers performed. They had all, without exception, 
two pastoral charges, from eight to twelve miles apart. They 
organized the Presbytery, as we have before stated, with four 
members, and received into their body, within the first three 
years, three additional members, Messrs. Clarke, Dunlap, and 
9 



130 POOR ACCESSIONS. 

Finley. Six years after their organization, Mr. Barr was 
added to their number. But he remained only three or four 
years, and seems to have been of no advantage to their cause, 
rather retarding their progress. For a short time dui-ing 
1786, two Irishmen, father and son, perhaps, by the name of 
Morrison, came among them, and labored a while in some of 
the vacancies ; they proved to be no acquisition, but, on the 
contrary, sources of much vexation and trouble ; and the 
brethren felt, doubtless, that they were well rid of them, when 
they left. An excellent man, the Rev. Jacob Jennings, M. D., 
from the Dutch Reformed Church and Synod of New Jersey, 
joined them in 1791, and was regularly received in 1792; he 
was a valuable acquisition. But about the same time, a wan- 
dering star, by the name of Thomas Cooly, professing to 
have come from a presbytery of Charleston, S. C, and also 
with " a dismission and testimonials from a number of dis- 
senting ministers in England," came among them, and was 
employed for a short time in their vacancies. But they were 
not satisfied with his credentials, and referred them to the 
Synod, who in turn referred them to the General Assembly. 
The Presbytery then declined to give him further employment 
till the General Assembly would decide about the matter, or 
Mr. Cooly could more satisfactorily clear up his case. The 
General Assembly judged his credentials forged, and the 
Presbytery had much trouble, as in the case of the Morrisons, 
in neutralizing the mischief done in various vacancies, and 
setting their people right in respect to these men. They were 
also much vexed with a Mr. Mahon, who came from the Car- 
lisle Presbytery, towards the close of their history. He 
wished to be ordained and installed as pastor in Pittsburg ; 
but they were not satisfied, on examining him upon experi- 
mental religion and cases of conscience; upon which he 
applied for a dismission back to the Carlisle Presbytery, 
which they granted, no doubt very willingly. 

But there was one stranger who came among them for a 
short time, in 1787, the Rev. Wait Cornwell, from an asso- 



MESSRS. CORNWELL AND MOORE. 131 

ciation in Connecticut, who seems to have been a very pious, 
devoted man. He assisted Mr. Smith during a great revival 
of religion in Cross Creek, in April of that year, and spent a 
few months in visiting the vacancies and missionary regions 
of the Presbytery, under their direction, and then returned; 
and we hear no more of him. There is reason to believe that 
he rendered important service, at a time when their destitute 
churches and vacancies had grown on their hands, to a won- 
derful degree. 

A short time before they adjourned to meet no more, Mr. 
Thomas Moore, from New England, appeared among them, 
a man of great worth, who, in after years, labored in what 
are the bounds of the Blairsville and "Washington Presby- 
teries, and eventually removed to Ohio, where he died a few 
years ago, having joined the New School Presbyterians, how- 
ever, a short time before he died. He was a Hopkinsian in 
theology, somewhat ultra in his Calvinism, and in the promi- 
nence he gave it in his preaching. He was a very pious and 
most valuable man, of strong, vigorous intellect, and uncom- 
promising in his denunciations of coming wrath, against sin- 
ners and hypocrites in the church. His labors resulted in 
numerous conversions, both at Salem, in Blairsville Presby- 
tery, and at Upper Ten Mile, in Washington Presbytery, 
where many of his spiritual children may yet be found. He 
was, perhaps, the most awful scourge of Arminianism that we 
ever had among us. 

Now with the above exceptions, those beloved men, Clarke, 
Smith, M'Millan, Power, Dodd, Dunlap and Finley, labored, 
in season and out of season, in this mighty field, widening and 
widening every year — the importunate calls from vacancies 
growing louder and more numerous, at every meeting of 
Presbytery — for seven i/ears, (from 1781 to 1788,) nearly 
fifty places needing their aid, (their names are all before us,) 
and yet all this time, there was not a single permanent acces- 
sion to their number from Presbyteries east of the mountains. 
With the exception of Mr. Cornwell, who remained but a short 



132 LONG JOURNEYS OF THE FIRST MINISTERS. 

time, all the additional help they received was not only tran- 
sient, but of little value, some of it positively a hindrance. 
Where were the bowels of compassion among other Presby- 
teries, and with the young licentiates and ministers east of 
the mountains ? 

j^his view of the matter gives us the means of appreciating 
still more highly the character of those whom Dr. Hodge, in 
his Constitutional History, calls " a noble set of men." Now 
look at the amount of time these men gave to this extra work 
on their hands — in 1782, 12 sabbaths of supplies ; in 1783, 
21 sabbaths ; in 1784, 27 sabbaths ; in 1785, 31 sabbaths ; in 
1786, 40 sabbaths ; in 1787, 30 sabbaths ; and in 1788, when 
they, at length, have two licentiates, their appointments for 
supplies reach the number of 127 sabbaths ! 

Truly these men "sowed in tears." We must not forget 
that, during all this time, they and their people were harassed, 
more or less, by the savages on their borders making con- 
tinual inroads, burning and desolating all before them, and 
sometimes murdering whole families. They came in on their 
settlements from various points on the Ohio, and Allegheny 
rivers. It could seldom be known when or where they would 
strike — sometimes over towards the Ohio, sometimes coming 
in from Venango, along on the Loyalhanna ; they (these 
ministers) would be compelled to flee to forts with their help- 
less families. In some instances, their meetings were broken 
up. In many cases, at particular periods, every man went 
armed to their places of worship, and in some cases stacked 
their guns at the dooi', and appointed a sentinel. This state 
of things did not entirely suoside till nearly a year after their 
last 'miited meeting. For it was not till Wayne's decided 
victory, in 1794, that all further danger from this quarter 
ceased. 

A very large portion of what then composed the territory 
of the Presbytery was liable, at no previous period, perhaps, 
to more danger, than after the disastrous campaigns of Har- 
mar and St. Clair, in 1790 and 1791. The Presbytery, at 



THEY "sowed in TEARS," 133 

tteir meeting held at Bethel, December 22d, 1791, appointed 
a special fast day — a day of fasting and prayer — " particu- 
larly on account of the situation of our country with respect 
to the savages." This is an interesting fact in their history, 
and it is fully and satisfactorily illustrated by the history of 
that year. (See the 46th Note on the Records.) And yet, 
in the midst of this state of things had these brethren to labor. 
They often preached and had protracte'd meetings in forts, 
especially in the earlier part of their history, on their western 
bounds. Here, also, the Spirit of God was often poured out; 
and a revival influence which was begun in forts extended, in 
more than one instance, to the churches, during the following 
weeks and months. 

3. Let us consider the amount of toil and exposure endured 
in their fulfilling the supplies appointed. Often would they 
have to travel from fifteen to fifty miles, and be away for 
some days from their families. The roads were often of the 
worst description, and sometimes no roads at all. A blind 
path, but seldom used must be followed, when every neigh- 
borhood road to a mill or a smith's shop, being much more 
distinct, would be almost sure to mislead them. There were 
few or no pointers or finger-boards in those days — no bridges 
across creeks and runs — the fording places often uncertain 
and not easily found. Yet they never met with a disaster in 
these missionary excursions ; and their families were kept 
safely beneath the " o^^er shadowing wings." Indeed we can 
ascribe it to nothing but a very special providence exercised 
over these brethren and their families, during these periods 
of their frequent separation — similar to that which was spread 
over the ancient people of God, when all the males went up 
to Jerusalem, from every part of the land, to attend the great 
annual festivals, leaving their families perfectly exposed to 
their foreign enemies. So long as they were faithful to His 
covenant, God " made their enemies to be at peace with 
them." These ministers were called, not only to distant 
points to preach and catechise the children, but also to preside 



134 THE AGES OP THE FIRST MINISTERS. 

at meetings of sessions, to settle difficulties, to administer 
discipline, to reconcile adverse parties, and to preserve 
churches from breaking into factions and fragments. Two 
of them were aged men before they entered the field. Mr. 
Clarke was sixty-four years of age when he united with the 
Presbytery. Mr. Finley was sixty. With these men, their 
days of active toil and endurance, one would have thought, 
were past. Yet to their honor it will be found that they took 
an equal share in the labor of supplies. Mr. Finley appears 
to have preserved, till the age of seventy (when he died), 
much of his juvenile buoyancy and activity ; and performed 
an immense amount of pastoral labor, over a field, fifteen 
miles long, and eight or ten miles broad. The others were 
much younger men. Dr. M'Millan was twenty-nine years of 
age when the Presbytery was organised ; Mr. Dodd, thirty- 
one ; Mr. Power, thirty-five ; Mr. Dunlap, thirty-eight, when 
he joined the Presbytery. Mr. Smith was forty-five at its 
formation. It was, perhaps, a most auspicious circumstance 
that they had all been in the ministry some years, in other 
fields. They were not inexperienced men. They could avoid 
any errors that might have occurred in their previous course, 
and in other fields. They were much better able to count 
the cost — and even to endure hardships as good soldiers. 
They were capable of being wise counsellors to their people 
in all matters whatever. 

4. On one subject which greatly perplexed their people, 
and no doubt, for a time, hindered the progress of the gospel, 
these brethren were at times much harassed : we refer to 
the conflicting claims of the two States of Pennsylvania and 
Virginia, to a large portion of their field. In many cases 
this led to disputes and broils, and litigations. In some 
places, there was great uncertainty as to land titles. To such 
an extent did this grow at one time, that thousand* of the 
early settlers had serious thoughts of getting up, and seeking 
a quiet home elsewhere. A man by the name of Jackson 
entered into an extensive combination for this purpose, and 



THE STATE BOUNDARY QUESTION. 135 

drew after him many followers, even of the people of our 
communion. This scheme was to go and possess themselves 
of a quiet settlement further west, where they would be free 
from these conflicting claims of jurisdiction. It happily, how- 
ever, fell through, and proved only a flash in the pan. It 
may well be supposed that, especially through Washington 
County, this would be a source of much trial to the faith and 
patience of ministers and people. Some of our ministers, 
indeed, had had some experience of this very kind of trouble 
in the region whence they came. The Nottingham settlement 
had passed through a similar trial. Party spirit ran high, 
and broke forth in acts of violence. Many of those who had 
emigrated from that region could well remember that until 
Mason and Dixon's line had been run, people knew not 
whether they were Marylanders or Pennsylvanians. A con- 
siderable part of Nottingham fell to the Maryland side. Mr. 
Finley himself, lived in Maryland, while his church, a few 
miles ofi", was in Pennsylvania. His brother. Dr. Samuel 
Finley, with his church, was altogether in Maryland. Messrs. 
Finley, M'Millan, Power, and Smith, had, therefore, from 
their earliest days, some acquaintance with this sort of 
trouble ; and therefore knew how to deal with it when it came 
upon them afresh in the West. 

5. This Presbytery, during the twelve years of its undi- 
vided state, consisted, as to its clerical members, of pastors. 
There were no ministers then without charges — none engaged 
in secular pursuits — none who were merely presidents or pro- 
fessors in colleges, academies, or seminaries. When they 
assembled, they came together, from their respective fields of 
labor, all earnest men, and intent on doing their work, as 
presbyters, promptly, but faithfully. There was not a toad- 
eater among them. The toadyism and servility often wit- 
nessed in later times, (when certain members of our ecclesias- 
tical judicatories follow, without questioning, some Diatrophes 
"wholoveth to have the pre-eminence,") were unknown in 
those early, unambitious times. They would have stared with 



136 CHARACTER OF THE MINISTRY. 

astonishment at the forwardness and garrulity of many un- 
employed ministers at the present day, viho seem to feel that 
"the care of all the churches" rests on their shoulders, and 
•who, professing great dread of cliques or caucusses, are con- 
tinually getting, or keeping them up, themselves. They 
knew nothing, in those simple days, of electioneering. "We 
never heard of one of these old fathers bustling around, at 
any of their meetings, asking, " Whom shall we make Mode- 
rator?" or "Whom shall we send to the Assembly?" There 
were no triflers, or buffoons, or merry-andrews among them. 
You would never see one or more of them sitting back from 
the others, while the examination of candidates was in pro- 
gress, amusing themselves in jocular conversation, and, after 
a few minutes, though not having heard a word from the can- 
didates under examination, popping up and calling out, 
"Moderator, I move that the further examination on this 
part of trial be arrested ;" oi-, " I move that this examination 
be sustained." 

Such trifling, in the discharge of a solemn presbyterial 
duty, was unknown to our fathers. They were generally 
men of great gravity of manners, and their dress and de- 
meanor secured for them uniformly much respect, and, with 
younger people, even a kind of dread. When they first 
settled in the western country, the young people, and espe- 
cially children, were filled with a degree of awe in their pre- 
sence. One of them mentioned an extreme case of the kind, 
that was rather ludicrous. Meeting, in a lane, a boy who 
was mounted on a horse, with a bag of grain under him, he 
observed that the lad, who had perhaps never seen a minister 
dressed in black clothes before, was shying oif, so as to en- 
danger his bag by coming into contact with a corner of the 
fence, called out to him, " Don't be afraid, my son ; I'll not 
hurt you." "The deil trust you!" said the boy, evidently 
in a tremor of alarm. Yet we would much mistake the cha- 
racter of those good men, were we to imagine that they 
thought it a sin to laugh. Some of them were men of consi- 



DELIGHTFUL UNANIMITY. 137 

derable wit, and, in its proper place, all of them indulged in 
a hearty, joyous spirit. More cheerful men never lived ; but, 
with few exceptions, thej never compromised their clerical 
dignity, either in or out of presbytery. 

Whilst there was a great difference in the manners and 
constitutional temperament of these seven brethren, they were 
truly a band of brothers. They never strove together but to 
provoke each other to love and good works. A more harmo- 
nious ecclesiastical body never existed. They were of one 
mind and one heart. Indeed, most of them had drunk at the 
same fountains in their training ; the Fogg's Manor Academy 
and New Jersey College. They had in early life enjoyed the 
ministry of such men as Samuel Finley, Samuel and John 
Blair, and Mr. Strain — men of a thorough evangelical spirit. 
They had also, in early life, witnessed and enjoyed powerful 
revivals of religion, and had come from a region eminently 
blessed with frequent outpourings of the Holy Spirit. There 
was also a remarkable missionary spirit among them in the 
Newcastle Presbytery. The happy reunion that had taken 
place between the Synods of New York and Philadelphia, 
twenty-three years before the organization of the Presbytery 
of Redstone, had had sufficient time to work out its blessed 
results, and to restore harmony among the churches in that 
region, whence our ministers generally came. They there- 
fore had an opportunity to imbibe some of the excellencies of 
both the old parties. With the new side, they were revival 
men, and insisted upon strict and close examination on the 
subject of personal piety, in regard to applicants for admis- 
sion to the communion of the Church, and especially for 
admission into the sacred office of the gospel ministry. They, 
with the old side, insisted much on the importance of doctri- 
nal and catechetical instruction, and of thorough education, 
as far as practicable, in candidates for the ministry. They 
were strict disciplinarians, and held in the highest importance 
the early religious training of children and youth. They were 
most conscientious observers of the Sabbath, and of family 



138 ZEALOUS LAYMEN. 

worship, morning and evening, seldom or never omitting 
either reading or singing, as parts of that duty. 

6. When they entered upon their respective fields of labor, 
they found an immense amount of ignorance, ungodliness, 
and profanity, sufficient to have appalled the stoutest heart. 
True, there were scattered through most of their churches 
some very pious people. But many had grown up in utter 
neglect of religion, and the ordinances of God's house. But 
God sustained his servants ; according to their day was their 
strength afforded. They were generally blessed with vigo- 
rous health; and so were their families. There arose also a 
noble race of laymen, men of vigorous intellect and of devoted 
piety. These men were most valuable helps to our ministers. 
Few ministers now, perhaps, have such sessions as were found 
in the Presbytery, eighty years ago. Several of these men 
had, in their younger days, been brought into the communion 
of the Church during glorious revivals in East and West Not- 
tingham, in Fagg's Manor, and in New Jersey, and were 
thorough revival men. We have mentioned New Jersey. 
Did she make any contribution to the settlements and minis- 
ters of the West ! Yes — one of the most valuable of all our 
early settlements, and one of the noblest of our fii-st minis- 
ters. We will now introduce them to the reader. 



A SKETCH OF THE LIFE 



EEV. THADDEUS DOD, 



The south-western part of Washington County, bordering 
on Virginia, embraces a fine agricultural region, lying on 
either side of Ten-mile Creek, This creek was so named 
from the circumstance of its entering the Monongahela ten 
miles above Redstone Creek. At an early period in the set- 
tlement of the country, this section attracted the notice of 
emigrants from New Jersey. Two respectable elders of the 
Presbyterian Church from Morris County, of that State, 
removed to the West about the same time and settled on the 
waters of Ten-mile. Their names were Jacob Cook and De- 
mas Lindley. The period of their emigration is supposed to 
have been as early as 1773. Each of these worthy men 
drew around him, in a short time, a considerable settlement, 
known for many years after by the name of Cook's Settle- 
ment and Lindley's Settlement. Mr. Lindley, in the fall and 
winter of 1774-5, erected a fort and Block-house long known 
by his name. In fact, it was one of the best forts and most 
formidable garrisons between the Monongahela and Wheeling. 
Before we proceed further, it may be as well to aiGford the 
reader some idea of what is meant by a Fort. It was usually 
not only a place of defence, but the residence of a small 
number of families belonging to the same neighborhood. As 
the Indian mode of warfare was an indiscriminate slaughter 

139 



140 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF 

of all ages and both sexes, it was requisite to provide for the 
safety of the women and children, as well as that of the men. 
The fort consisted of cabins, and block-houses, and stockades. 
Divisions or partitions of logs separated the cabins from each 
other. The walls on the outside were ten or twelve feet high ; 
the slope of the roof being turned wholly inward. A very 
few of the cabins had puncheon floors. The greater part 
were earthen. The block-houses were built at the angles of 
the fort. They projected about two feet beyond the outer 
walls of the cabins and stockades ; their upper stories were 
about eighteen inches larger every way than the under one, 
leaving an opening where the second story began to prevent 
the enemy from making a lodgment under the walls. In some 
forts, instead of block-houses, the angles of the fort were fur- 
nished with bastions. A large folding gate, made of thick 
slabs, on the side nearest the spring, closed the fort. The 
stockades, cabins, bastions, and blockkouse-walls, were fur- 
nished with port-holes at proper heights and distances. The 
whole of the outside was made completely bullet-proof. " It 
may be said," says Mr. Doddridge, "that necessity is the 
mother of invention ; for the whole of this work was made 
without nails or a single spike of iron, and for this reason : 
such things were not to be had. In some places less exposed, 
a single block-house, with a cabin or two, constituted the 
whole fort. Such places of refuge may appear very trifling 
to those who have been in the habit of seeing the formidable 
military garrisons of Europe and America. But they 
answered the purpose, as the Indians had no artillery. They 
scarcely ever took one of these forts when the inmates were 
duly apprised of an intended attack. Into such forts as 
these did our early ministers, with their families, sometimes 
flee. There they preached the gospel ; there, sometimes, the 
Spirit of God was poured out, and precious souls wew} born 
into the kingdom. But to return from this not unnecessary 
digression: such a fort as above described was Mr. Lindley's; 



THE REV. THADDEUS DOD. 141 

and nowHere in the West was one more i-equired or more ser- 
viceable. 

In the fall of 1777, the Indians had made a most formidable 
attack on Fort Henry, at the mouth of Wheeling Creek. 
This was one of the most memorable events in the Border 
Warfare. In Howe's Hist. Coll. of Virginia, p. 400, a thrill- 
ing narrative of that affair, taken from the American Pioneer, 
drawn by the pen of Mr. Kiernan, may be found. The whole 
West, for- weeks and months together, after this event, was 
all alive with almost daily expectation of savage forays. Only 
a few weeks after, and while in and around Fort Lindley all 
was apprehension and anxiety, there arrived a young man of 
sallow complexion, of slender form, black hair, and keen, 
penetrating, dark eyes, not unknown to some of the inmates 
of that fort ; and his arrival gave them no ordinary joy. It 
was the Rev. Thaddeus Dod.* He had come from the same 
state and county whence most of the dwellers in the garrison 
had emigrated. To Mr. Lindley it is believed he was well 
known. We are altogether incapable of entering into the 
feelings of that little forted band. Perhaps they had not 
heard for months from their native place. There were no 
mails then. Seldom a newspaper reached them. The pre- 
vious season had been one of more than usual hardship and 
solicitude to them. What gladness pervaded many a heart 
that day of his arrival ! " How beautiful upon the moun- 
tains," perhaps they would exclaim, " are the feet of him that 
bringeth glad tidings, that publisheth peace !" 

Mr. Dod had been ordained, sine titulo, by the Presbytery 
of l^ew York, in view of his purpose of emigrating to the 
West, and of preaching the gospel in the frontier settlements. 
One tradition has it that he had brought his family with him 
across the mountains ; but hearing, no doubt, of the recent 
attack on Fort Henry, and other indications of increasing 
Indian hostilities, he left them east of the Monongahela. 

* Mr. Dod had been out a few weeks in the early part of the summer. 



142 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF 

If this is correct, it is probable Mr. Dod had passed Mr. 
Power, then residing at Dunlap's Creek settlement, on his 
way ; and may have left his family in that settlement, though 
of this we are left to conjecture.* 

Entering at once on his Master's work, he preached on the 
following Sabbath in the fort, and administered the sacrament 
of Baptism. Several children were baptised. It was pro- 
bably the first time, he had ever administered the ordinance. 
At any rate it was the first time it was ever administered 
there. It is remembered by one of those children who was 
then a little boy, standing by his father's side, as a most 
solemn and melting occasion. He afterwards became a 
minister of the gospel, and believes that that solemn hour 
was fraught with unspeakable blessings to his soul. Mr. Dod 
continued to preach at the garrison and at Cook's settlement 
and other places, as he had opportunity — visiting his family 
occasionally. There is an impression that for some period, 
he withdrew, whether with or without his family, and labored 
for some time in the region of Springfield and Frankfort, 
east of the mountains in Virginia. The statement of the 
Rev. Dr. J. Lindley is, that in 1778, he brought his family 
over, and commenced forming congregations — one called 
Lower Ten-mile — the other, Upper Ten-mile, each about ten 
miles from Washington. They constituted, however, but one 
church, having but one bench of elders, amongst whom, 
Messrs. Lindley and Cook were prominent members. The 
former was a descendant of the Puritans. One of his distant 
forefathers had accompanied the Rev. John Robinson, when 
in 1608, he emigrated from England to Holland. Francis 
Lindley had come with his family along with the band of 
pilgrims, that in 1620 landed on Plymouth Rock. It is 
supposed that the father of Demas Lindley emigrated from 
New England to Morris County, N. J. From such a pious 
race came this excellent man, who, for many years, occupied 

* Since the above was written, we have learned that be brought his 
family no further than Patterson's Creek, Hampshire County, Ya. 



THE REV. THADDEUS DOD. 143 

a prominent place in our Western Zion, and was one of the 
first magistrates of Washington County. Of the other, 
Jacob Cook, we have heard less, but have understood that he 
■was a man of great worth. These men, and several others 
from New Jersey, had come from the very midst of the spirit 
and power of those revivals which followed the labours of 
Whitefield, and the tenants in their native state. With such 
coadjutors, but infinitely above all, with the presence and 
blessing of God, Mr. Dod entered upon his most trying field 
of labor. In many respects his post was the forlorn hope. 
It was by far the most perilous of the frontier posts of our 
Western Zion. Indians were continually making inroads upon 
that region. Yet here in a short time a glorious revival took 
place in Lindley's Fort, and more than forty persons were 
made happy in believing. 

Mr. Dod settled on a farm, three miles from the fort. 
Near the fort, some years after, a meeting-house was built of 
hewn logs. Here, under the protection of the fort, families 
could step out and worship God, without fear and trembling. 
Much of the preaching before, and even after, the building 
of this house and of another at Amity, was at private houses. 
Dr. Lindley relates that "While Mr. Dod was preaching in 
the house of Caleb Lindley, in the year 1783 or 1784, 
tidings came that the Indians had murdered a family of the 
name of Death, on Wheeling Creek, some eighteen miles 
from us. Services closed immediately; and several young 
men promptly started with their guns to the spot of the 
murder, to bury the dead, or to follow the Indians, if practi- 
cable. Francis Dunlavy, I know, one of Mr. Dod's scholars, 
and I think John Brice, started in this company. These 
young men started on the run, in Indian style and I recollect 
Dunlavy was foremost." This incident may serve to illus- 
trate what often occurred with most of our first ministers, 
while engaged in preaching the gospel. 

It was a considerable time before Mr. Dod and his session 
thought it advisable to administer the sacrament of the Lord's 



144 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF 

supper. Different times had been thought of; bal 1: was still 
necessary, as he briefly noticed in his Journal, to defer it. 
At length, however, such a season was enjoyed. And it was 
the harbinger of many others. Some of these communion 
seasons were very remarkable. His brethren, Messrs. Smith, 
M'Millan, and Power, were each of them present, on different 
occasions. He, in his turn, aided them. There seem to have 
been a peculiar intimacy and congeniality of spirit between 
him and Mr. Smith. Whether their acquaintance began at 
Princeton, we do not know. It is not probable, however, for 
Mr. Smith had graduated in 1764, and Mr. Dod not until 
1773. They were, however, baptised into one spirit. Yet 
they appear to have been men of quite different temperaments. 
Mr. Smith .was a Boanerges. Mr. Dod was a " Son of Con- 
solation." We do not mean that there was any tameness of 
character about him. He was a thorough revival man, in the 
best sense of the expression. His preaching was with great 
power, in the demonstration of the Spirit. It was mighty, 
through God, to the pulling down of the strongholds of Satan. 
He assisted Mr. Smith at Cross Creek, during the great revi- 
val which began in the fall of 1781, as is noticed in the 
Western Missionary Magazine. 

Mr. Dod possessed a highly cultivated and well-disciplined 
mind. His power oi concentration, and of holding his thoughts 
directly upon any point or subject of investigation, amidst 
any amount of external interruption, was, perhaps, never ex- 
ceeded. Not only was he an accurate classical scholar, 
thoroughly grounded in the Latin, Greek and Hebrew lan- 
guages, but he was an excellent mathematician. In this 
respect, he probably excelled all his brethren. Whilst there 
is evidence, in the few fragments of his writings which he 
has left, of his familiarity with the original languages of 
Scripture, there are still living witnesses of his uncommon 
proficiency in the sciences. If he had a passion for any de- 
partment of human knowledge, we are inclined to believe, 
from what we have heard, it was for the exact sciences. 



THE REV. THAUDEUS DOD. 145 

A more clear-headed and skilful mathematician we have, 
perhaps, never had in the West. " He was the only man," 
says one of his pupils, " that I have met with who could ex- 
plain every line and figure on Gunter's scale." He was in 
the practice of making his students construct for themselves 
Gunter's scales out of dog-wood, so as to he thoroughly pre- 
pared, hy the scale, to work out every thing belonging to sur- 
veying and navigation. No wonder the late Chief Justice 
Kirkpatrick, a prominent member of the Board of Trustees 
of Princeton College, upon a young man of the name of Dod * 
being nominated to the vacant chair of Mathematics, remarked 
that though he did not know Mm, he knew Tliaddeus was a 
good mathematician, and he believed that all that bore the 
name of Dod had good mathematical heads. He was willing 
to support the nomination just made, or words to that eiFect. 

But we are anticipating a little, ^e ought to have men- 
tioned that Mr. Dod, soon after his settlement in the West, 
joined to his more delightful employment of preaching the 
gospel, the office of an instructor of youth. This was more 
or less the case with all our first ministers. It was a matter 
of necessity. But the Lord greatly blessed them in this im- 
portant work. 

In 1781, Mr. Dod's neighbors, with one consent, turned 
out and put up a Log Academy, considerably larger than any 
dwelling-house then in the neighborhood. The interest taken 
by the settlement in the enterprise reflects great credit upon 
them, in view of the trying times in which they lived. They 
consisted, indeed, of many persons considerably in advance 
of the Scotch-Irish, in point of education. They had brought 
their New Jersey and New England tastes with them. From 
a very early period, they loved good taste in public speaking, 
and in church music. Fifty years ago, better singing could 
be heard at Upper and Lower Ten-mile than any where in 
Washington County. 

* We have since learned that it was the late lamented Professor Dod. 
10 



146 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF 

The Rev. Thomas Moore was one of Mr. Dod's successors 
in Upper Ten-mile — a man of highly cultivated intellect, and 
of a refined and abstract style of preaching, that could only 
have been relished by a people of considerable mental im- 
provement. We mention this fact, at present, merely as 
evidence that there was nothing strange in Mr. Dod's people 
taking so earnest an interest in getting up a first-rate classi- 
cal and scientific school. There was a department in this 
school, it is true, for the more elementary branches. But its 
main character was as stated. Here, in 1782, began the first 
classical and scientific scJioal in the West. 

In the course of a year or two, James Hughes, John Brice, 
Robert Marshall, John Hanna, Daniel Lindley, Jacob Lind- 
ley, David Smith, and Francis Dunlavy, (who all became min- 
isters of the gospel,) some of them quite small, began their 
studies, partly in EngJ^sh, and partly in Latin and Mathe- 
matics. There were also several boys who afterwards became 
eminent men in various walks of secular life, who were here 
trained, especially in the sciences. Some of them became 
first-rate surveyors. Among them may be mentioned Daniel 
M'Farland, Joseph Eddy and Thomas Stokely. M'Farland, 
with his father, and Stokely, were amongst the most eminent 
land speculators we ever had in the West. Two of those in 
the first list we mentioned, afterwards pursued their studies 
with Mr. Smith, when, in the fall of .1785, he opened the 
Latin School, called " The Study," designed more particu- 
larly and exclusively for training young men for the gospel 
ministry. These young men, being of Mr. Smith's pastoral 
charge, were probably led to change their school, more from 
motives of convenience and economy than any thing else. 

In view of the facts above stated, we are now led to believe 
that Mr. Dod justly claims the precedence, in his eflforts to 
promote the cause of education ; while Mr. Smith's scliool at 
Buffalo may have been the first with a more special and ex- 
clusive reference to the training of young men for the service 
of the church. Soon after, the "Study" at Buffalo was/o?- 



THE REV. THADDEUS DOD. 147 

lowed by the "Log Cabin," at Chartiers. For most of those 
with Mr. Smith, and some who had been with Mr. Dod, went 
over to Dr. McMillan's school, and composed a part of those 
with whom, he informs us, (giving their names,) Ms school 
began. Of this further notice will be taken in the life of Dr. 
M'Millan. 

What portion of his time Mr. Dod gave to instruction in 
his school, we cannot tell. His pastoral field was large, and 
required and received his diligent attention. He was likewise 
appointed by the Presbytery to supply various destitute set- 
tlements, especially Muddy Creek and the South Fork of 
Ten-mile. Several gracious outpourings of the Holy Spirit 
were afforded to Ten-mile, during Mr. Dod's ministry. In 
the Western Missionary Magazine for September, 1803, it is 
expressly stated that while the gracious work was going on in 
Cross Creek, Upper Buffalo, Chartiers and Pigeon Creek, 
" The Lord also poured out his spirit," particularly on 
Bethel and Lebanon, under the ministry of the E-ev. John 
Clark, and on " Ten-mile, under the ministry of the Rev, 
Thaddeus Dod.'' 

On the 20th of January, 1789, Mr. Dod was appointed 
the first Principal of Washington Academy, at Washington, 
Pennsylvania, which Academy had been incorporated by the 
Legislature of Pennsylvania, September 24th, 1787,* and 
was afterwards, in 1806, merged into Washington College. 

This appointment evinces the high estimation in which his 
literary and scientific qualifications were held. But in con- 
sequence of the loss of the building by firef in which this 
school at Washington was held, Mr. Dod, who had removed 
with his family to Washington, returned again to Ten-mile 

and resumed his former employments. There seems no doubt, 

• 

* Having an endowment, also, of 5000 acres of land. 

t It was the old Courthouse, that had been converted into an academy 
or schoolhouse. By this fire Mr. Dod lest a number of valuable books ; 
a serious disaster to a minister at that early period. 



148 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF 

that had it not been for this Providential occurrence, — the 
temporary suspension of the Washington School, — it would 
have speedily risen to a high eminence, and ^yould have super- 
seded and prevented altogether the movement soon afterwards 
made to get up the Academy at Canonsburg, Our ministers, 
generally, and some of the most prominent citizens of the 
West, were, up to this time, looking to Washington. Dr. 
M'Millan, Mr. Smith, Mr. John Corbley, the eminent Baptist 
minister of Muddy Creek, and several others, were either 
trustees of Washington Academy, or warmly enlisted in its 
interests. And Mr. Dod was the man whom they had chosen 
to conduct it. But God seeth not as man seeth. He had 
other purposes to accomplish ; and his devoted servant, Dod, 
was not to finish his life in Washington. His few remaining 
days were to be spent in the field to which God had at first 
called him. And here he labored till his death, which oc- 
curred May 20th, 1793. When he found his sickness was 
unto death, he said " I must examine carefully the ground of 
my hope. I may deceive myself: the heart is very deceitful, 
and Satan is very subtle ;" or words to that effect. After 
remaining for a considerable time engaged, apparently, in 
thorough self-examination and in prayer, his countenance was 
observed, at length, to grow radiant with joy. The first utter- 
ance he gave was " 0, I am so glad I was born to die !" 
Other expressions, not now remembered, followed. Asihe lay 
with his face towards the wall, he was heard to say " Ha ! I 
expected you; but you may go back." Mr. Carmichael, his 
elder, here asked him what he meant. He said that he had 
just experienced an assault of the fiery darts of Satan, but 
that he was quickly relieved. Mr. C. asked him, " Can you 
now bear your dying testimony to the gospel you have preached 
to us ?" — " Yes, I can !" he promptly replied. In this happy 
frame his spirit winged its flight to its Everlasting* Rest. 
" The path of the just is as the shining light that shineth 
more and more unto the perfect day." 

Mr. Dod preached the opening sermon at the first organiza- 



THE REV. THADDEUS DOD. 149 

tion of the Presbytery of Kedstone, ia 1781, from Job xlii. 
5, 6. He lived^till a few months before its last undivided 
meeting, in 1703. He was one of its brightest ornaments, 
and was indeed a chosen vessel of the Lord. He survived 
his brother, Smith, only about thirteen months. They were 
first called to die, as they had lived, for their Master. And 
now of that little band of four ministers, with which the Pres- 
bytery was formed, half were gone. But already the Pres- 
bytery had grown to a large size, and were just about to be 
divided into two presbyteries. 

Mr. Dod, beside his other natural and acquired gifts, was 
possessed of considerable poetic powers; and had he* culti- 
vated his genius in this respect, it would have attained to some 
distinction. He thus presented the rare and almost incredible 
combination of mathematical talent, classical taste, and poetic 
imagination. But Christian, deeply devout and spiritual, was 
his highest style. He was a man of modest, humble, yet pre- 
possessing manners. As he possessed an uncommon memory 
and great acuteness of mind, he must have been a most agree- 
able companion. His pupils held him in the highest respect, 
and he had the happy faculty of infusing into those who were 
capable of it, an intense love of science and literature. When 
we consider his various traits of character, and the very re- 
markable combination of talents found in him, we cannot but 
admire the orderings of Providence that assigned to such a 
man such a perilous and self-denying charge. Often were 
he and his family driven to the neighboring fort by the savages 
of the wilderness. In one instance, during Mr. D.'s absence, 
Mrs. Dod and her little children, upon the alarm of approach- 
ing Indians, fled and concealed themselves, for several hours, 
amongst the high weeds in an adjoining ground. They were 
thus concealed, if we remember rightly, upon Mr. Dod's 
return ; and either it proved a false alarm, or the Indians had 
taken another direction. Here often was he compelled also 
toleave them exposed when engaged in supplying distant con- 
gregations ! But the Almighty arm of a Covenant God was 



150 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF 

over him and his. Yet an eminent servant of God, John 
Corbley, a Baptist minister, settled in a comparatively adja- 
cent settlement, with whom Mr. Dod appears to have lived 
on terms of much Christian fellowship, and who was fre- 
quently with him at Lindley's Fort, was called to a severe 
trial, which must have awakened the tenderest sensibilities of 
Mr. and Mrs. Dod. The following narrative was given by 
Mr. Corbley, in a letter to the Rev. Mr. Rogers, of Philadel- 
phia, in the year 1785 : 

" On the second Sabbath of May in the year 1782, being 
by appointment, at one of my meeting-houses, about a mile 
from my dwelling-house, I set out with my dear wife and 
five children, for public worship. Not suspecting any danger, 
I walked behind 200 yards, with my Bible in my hand, medi- 
tating ; as I was thus employed, all on a sudden, I was greatly 
alarmed with the frightful shrieks of my dear family before 
me. I immediately ran with all the speed I could, vainly 
hunting a club as I ran, till I got within 40 yards of them. 
My poor wife, seeing me, cried to me, to make my escape. 
An Indian ran up to shoot me. I then fled, and by so doing, 
outran him. My wife had a sucking child in her arms. 
This little infant they killed and scalped. They then struck 
my wife several times, but not getting her down, the Indian 
who aimed to shoot me, ran to her, shot her through the 
body, and scalped her. My little boy, an only son, about 
six years old, they sunk the hatchet into his brains, and thus 
dispatched him. A daughter, besides the infant, they also 
killed and scalped. My eldest daughter, who is yet alive, was 
hid in a tree about 20 yards from the place where the rest 
were killed, and saw the whole proceedings. She, seeing the 
Indians all go off, as she thought, got up and deliberately 
crept out of the hollow trunk ; but one of them espying her, 
ran hastily up, knocked her down and scalped her ; also her 
only surviving sister, on whose head they did not leave more 
than an inch round either of flesh or of skin, besides taking 



THE REV. THADDEUS DOD. 151 

a piece of her skull. She and the aforementioned one are 
still miraculously preserved ; though as you must think, I 
have had and still have, a groat deal of trouble and expense 
■with them, besides anxiety about them ; insomuch that as to 
worldly circumstances, I am almost ruined. I am yet in 
hopes of seeing them cured. They still, blessed be God, 
retain their senses, notwithstanding the painful operations 
they have already and must yet pass through. 
[" MuDDT Creek, 
Wasliington Counly, Jul;/ 8, 1788."] 

Such a horrid scene thus occurring but a little distance, as 
in those days accounted, from Mr. Dod and his family, must 
have been a severe trial to their faith, and have driven them 
nearer to the overshadowing Wings. 

It would have afforded us great satisfaction to give some 
extracts from Mr. Dod's diary, in which he portrays the 
nature of his early Christian experience. It is in the hands 
of his son, the Rev. Cephas Dod, the senior pastor of Amity, 
or Lower Ten-mile ; who, it is hoped, will give it to the public 
in connexion with a more extended memoir of his excellent 
father ; on which, it is understood, he is now engaged. Many 
important particulars we have been unable to give in this 
paper, for want of the materials which are in the hands of 
his son ; and we could neither with propriety ask him to sur- 
render them to us, nor wait for the use of his memoir, without 
delaying our progress in the preparation of this work for the 
press. We may have fallen into errors in several particulars. 
We are indebted to the Rev. Dr. Jacob Lindley, William 
Darby, Esq., and the Rev. Dr. William Wylie, for the larger 
portion of materials of the foregoing sketch. Two of them 
were his pupils, and were well 'acquainted with him. 

Since the above was written we have been faVored with the 
perusal of what Dr. Cephas Dod has written of his father, 
and are glad to find no serious discrepancy in our respective 
accounts of this dear servant of God. 



CHAPTER V. 

HOUSES OP WORSHIP, SACRAMENTAL SEASONS, STOVES AND 
BAPTISM, CATECHISING, ETC. 

For many years the people in Western Pennsylvania were 
compelled to construct houses of worship of a very humble 
and unpretending character. Nor were they liable to the 
charge of dwelling in ceiled houses, while the house of the 
Lord lay waste. Their own dwellings were generally log 
cabins. In many instances, newly married couples boldly 
ventured into this perilous region, and commenced their new 
life in log cabins, amidst hardships, dangers and privations 
which few in our day would be willing to encounter. Their 
dwellings, in many instances, were of the humblest descrip- 
tion, and their fixtu7rs inside and out corresponded. The man 
who, in Fayette County, erected a good two-story house of 
hewn logs, immortalized himself; and the place was known 
for fifty years afterwards as "the high house," even when 
other dwellings, all around, towered above it, in every sense. 

They early bestirred themselves to do what they could in 
erecting meeting-houses. These were also but cabins of a 
larger size. The pompous formalities of laying corner-stones, 
or of a dedication service, were innovations of more ambitious 
times. How far these things, and the introduction of organs, 
&c., are consistent with the principles of Presby terianism, and 
the genius and simplicity of the Christian dispensation, might 
be a subject for serious consideration, leading even good men 
to very opposite conclusions. The second set of churches 
were still but log houses — though the logs were hewn,- and 
with a good shingle roof over them. 

As the settlements grew, and their meetings became more 
thronged, their houses could not comfortably accommodate 

(152) 




i^,, ^r, >ii i , i iB rt!i a nn , ^i l n-T .i< T , y ,, ii Ht ii.ii mf^ ii iil W ui;;^ ^^jfa t/mki l iji— rt ii r i i, 

(A Meeting House of 3^ Class. ^ J^^<!^TirsliPrestytenaiiQmrclL Piftsljurg Pa Jjj-^ 



- Hfrf"n « «jm i rf HI iH i 



«,^^»M«ta««i:,-s«&- 



HOUSES OF WORSHIP. 153 

the people— during the summer especially, on sacramental 
occasions. Many congregations, during the whole summer, 
when the weather was pleasant, worshipped in groves. These 
groves were commonly in the immediate vicinity of the 
churches. Usually a. hill-side was selected, where the trees 
were large and free from undergrowth. A platform, six or eight 
feet wide and ten or twelve feet long, was erected, about four 
feet from the ground, on the upper side. This was boarded 
up a few feet above the platform, having an open doorway, or 
place of entrance. At the back, on the lower side, the board- 
ing extended much higher, and was connected with the roof, 
or covering, sloping off from the front. This tent, as it was 
called, was usually placed some distance down the hill-side, 
on descending ground ; seats of logs, or slabs, were arranged 
in front of the tenf, along up the side of the hill for some 
distance, spreading off considerably to the right and left of 
this tent-pulpit. Usually a long log, hewn only on the upper 
side, extended from near the pulpit, directly up through the 
area of the seats. This was elevated about the common height 
of a table, supported sometimes by straddling legs, but most 
generally by blocks of wood. On either side were similar 
logs, but much lower, for seats, placed sufficiently far from 
the higher, or table-logs, as to give room for walking between 
them. Sometimes, also, two other log-tables, with their seats 
diverged at right angles, to the right and left, all converging 
to a point some six or eight feet in front of the pulpit, but 
leaving sufficient room for an ordinary walnut or deal table 
to occupy the point of convergence, and to have free passage 
around.* These log tables were occupied exclusively by com- 
municants, during the progress of that solemn service. Be- 
fore that service began, and at other times, they served as a 
part of the ordinary sitting. 

A passing stranger, if not altogether a heathen or a publi- 
can, would readily recognise the sacramental sabbath by ob- 

* More frequently, perhaps, tioo log tables, parallel to each other, ran 
up in front. 



154 EARLY SACRAMENT IN THE WOODS. 

serving these extended log tables, covered witli snowy linen, 
all radiating from the large common table, containing the 
vessels of the sacred symbols, and all covered with white nap- 
kins. The "tout-ensemble" was strikingly picturesque. The 
seats were, of course, without backs, except where the trees 
furnished that luxury ; and such choice seats were reserved 
for aged ladies and the infirm. 

Let the reader now endeavor to fall back in fancy to these 
early times ; and to conceive himself, on some beautiful sab- 
bath morning, approaching such a scene. He sees, perhaps, 
a few cleared fields, in most of which the deadened timber is 
still standing ; but the greater part of the landscape is the 
*leafy forest — we say leafy^ for we will suppose it is early in 
the month of June, and all nature is glowing in the freshness 
of early summer. The music of the feathered tribe, heard 
through the woods, blended with the occasional tinkling of 
cow-bells, is grateful to his ears, and in harmony with the day 
and the scene. By some turn in his road, a full view along 
the hill-side of the scene around the tent opens before him. 
The people are assembling from all directions — many on 
horseback, more on foot. Neither gig, nor barouche, nor 
buggy, nor carryall is seen. Such means of conveyance were 
unknown in those days. Some are seen on the ground, or 
on the logs, putting on their stockings and shoes — for they 
have walked many miles barefoot, carrying these articles 
wrapped in their kerchiefs, in their hands. This circum- 
stance engages his attention but for a moment. He sees the 
gathering crowds pouring in, from all directions, towards the 
tent. He hears the continual neighing of horses, some near, 
and some afar ofi". Perhaps he distinguishes, especially, the 
louder and peculiar tone of some old equine Nestor, that ap- 
proaches, in its depth and grandeur, to the sublime. If Dr. 
Allison, in his delightful work on Taste, has taught us to 
notice the sublimity of the distant lowing of cattle in the still- 
ness of a summer evening — what would he have said of the 
neighing of horses, blended with the repose of the sabbath 



CHARACTEK OF THE SERVICES. 155 

landscape, spread around the stirring scenes of a communion 
season amidst our early western forests. 

We will suppose the reader looks around on earth and hea- 
ven. Upward, all is bright and sunny. A single hawk or 
eagle is perhaps far up in the skies, slowly wheeling in his 
gyrations, and seeming, if possible, to share in the gladness 
of the general scene. The vast assembly gradually gather 
round the spot appropriated to the solemnities of that glorious 
day. They all become, at length, quietly seated. After a 
short pause, he sees the men all uncovering their heads, and 
the whole assembly rising to their feet; for the minister has 
risen in the tent, come forward to its front, and spread his 
hands in token of prayer. Then the psalm succeeds; and 
oh, what singing was there ! Messrs. Mason and Hastings 
would have been scandalized, perhaps ; but Professor Silliman,' 
who was so delighted with the universal outburst in the Tron 
Church, when he was in Scotland, would have been in rap- 
tures, had he heard the notes of praise that swelled up through 
the umbrageous forests around an early western sacramental 
scene, and made all the welkin ring ; for those old-fashioned 
people had understood in a literal sense the Psalmist, " Let 
the people praise thee, let all the people praise thee." Ano- 
ther longer prayer, another psalm, and then the sermon — but 
we will not task the reader further. Let him, in fancy, sit 
and hear the successive services of that long summer day. 
Let him witness those long tables, successively filled and 
vacated four, five, six, and sometimes seven times, by the 
approaching and retreating crowd of communicants. The 
communion seasons of our fathers were, from an early period, 
exceedingly interesting. The Thursday preceding was com- 
monly observed as a day of fasting and prayer. And there 
was always public worship on Saturday and Monday, in con- 
nexion with these occasions. The ministers, of course, aided 
each other ; and many people from surrounding congregations 
and distant settlements attended. The families residing in 
the vicinity of the place were usually thronged with lodgers. 



156 THE GOOD EFFECTS. ' 

Though there was much, in all the circumstances of these 
meetings, calculated to produce a species of religious dissipa- 
tion, we cannot but believe they were eminently profitable 
and refreshing seasons, and greatly aided in extending the 
influence of the gospel through those early settlements. The 
extension of the services through several successive days 
contributed to suspend or lighten the influence of their 
worldly cares, and to break up, for a time, their anxieties and 
all their little petty vexations of domestic life. They pro- 
moted, also, Christian friendship, and enlarged the sphere of 
their social intercourse and of their Christian sympathies. 
They paved the way for many happy marriages and many 
auspicious nuptials. Above all, they proved seasons of spe- 
cial intercourse with heaven, and of foretaste of its joys, to 
many of those greatly tried and often sorrowing Christians 
who, in their frontier life, were frequently in heaviness through 
manifold temptations. It is worthy of special notice, also, that 
a very large proportion of those who were brought from dark- 
ness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God — traced 
their first religious impressions to these sacramental seasons. 
The taste and usages of modern days have formed us to habits 
that would make us feel dissatisfied with the tedious length 
of the services on those occasions. We would be apt to ex- 
claim "What a weariness is it!" But our forefathers felt 
not so. They would be as much disgusted at the brevity with 
which such services are hurried over in many places now-a-days. 
Whether there is not too great a disposition to conform to the 
taste and wishes of an ungodly world in respect to the length 
of sermons and sacramental services in our day, merits serious 
enquiry. The far greater frequency of communion seasons 
now, compared with those of early times, is not, we are aware, 
to be left out of view ; and perhaps justifies a much greater bre- 
vity in all the exercises than was then practised. In this, as 
in most other things, in medio tutissimus ibis is a wise direc- 
tion. Even their ordinary services were more protracted. 
We must remember, also, that throughout the entire winter 



STOVES IN CHURCHES. 157 

their houses were without stoves or any fire. It was not till 
ten or twelve years after the old Presbytery of Redstone 
held its last meeting at Long Run, in 1793, that stoves were 
introduced. And it was not without great opposition, even 
from some physicians. The attempt to introduce fire into 
meeting-houses produced, in some places, even a greater com- 
motion than the introduction of Dr. Watts' Psalms and 
Hymns. 

We have spoken of the communion season during the ear- 
lier history of our ministers and churches in Western Penn- 
sylvania. For many years, it was not usual to administer the 
Lord's Supper more than twice a year, and, indeed, gene- 
rally, as the ministers had more than one pastoral charge, 
only once in each congregation. But a very large proportion 
of all the members of their whole charge attended ; riding, or 
walking, as many were compelled to do, ten or fifteen miles. 
The sermon on the fast-day (which was usually the previous 
Thursday) was generally long, and was a prayerfully prepared 
and afiecting exhibition of the grounds and reasons for humi- 
liation and prayer. In early times, the services on this day 
were well attended ; the congregations were usually quite as 
large as on ordinary Sabbaths. There is no doubt that this 
usage was well suited to the state and character of those 
times, and greatly promoted the piety and spirituality of the 
churches, and prepared them to ascend the mount of ordi- 
nances on the ensuing Sabbath, and to draw near to God. 
If the exercises on that day, and indeed during the entire 
solemn convocation, would appear to us protracted to tedious- 
ness, they harmonized with the perhaps better tastes and feel- 
ings of our fathers. We may have gone farther than we are 
aware into an opposite extreme, paring and clipping away 
many things, which, if not essential, are highly appropriate 
and edifying. It is to be feared that, in these matters, minis- 
ters are tempted to consult a worldly policy, and to regard 
with too much deference the tastes and wishes of impenitent 
men, especially if they happen to be wealthy pew-holders. 



158 FENCING THE TABLES. 

Where weariness begins, it is true, edification ends. But 
Dr. Nesbit's sarcastic remark, "lang sermons are a great 
affliction to the ungodly," is also true. A good deal of what 
we complain of and protest against, has, perhaps, been intro- 
duced into our Church by those who never were thorough 
Presbyterians ; and though we have been graciously delivered 
from this alarming source of innovation and mischief, it has 
never yet, perhaps, been sufficiently ascertained how many 
"notions" are still permitted to remain, to the scandal of the 
Church, and to the keeping up of a fastidious dislike of our 
old-fashioned Presbyterian usages. Our forefathers were pro- 
bably inclined to be prolix. The people, however, were satis- 
fied. They would have been greatly pained at the way in 
which matters are often conducted on these "high days" of 
the Church of God. 

The action sej'mons, as they were called, on communion 
Sabbaths, were generally preached by the pastors or resident 
ministers ; this was considered peculiarly proper. And we 
must remember that perhaps fully one-half of the audience 
were not his ordinary hearers. Then followed what was 
called fencing the tables. This was often tedious, occupying 
an hour or more. Not unfrequently there was a regular 
review of all the sins forbidden in each of the ten command- 
ments. And it was remarked by the profane, that the 
preacher never stopped till he had solemnly debarred from 
the ordinance every one of his people, and himself to boot. 
Our old ministers, however, seldom indulged in such length- 
ened details as the seceders were said to be in the practice of 
doing, forbidding and debarring various classes of offenders, 
that were not to be found among them, such as stage-players 
and visitants of theatres ; and yet it must be confessed that, 
too often, our venerable fathers took this occasion to pour out 
a great deal "de omnibus rebus, et quibusdem aliis." 'There 
are few ministers now, in this section of the Church, includ- 
ing our brethren of the secession, who would not subscribe to 
the sound and judicious views of Dr. Dick, in his lectures on 
theology: 



DK. dick's views ABOUT IT. 159 

^'■Fencing the tables is merely an expedient suggested by 
human prudence, and is not supported by scriptural precept 
or apostolical example. It is therefore a vulgar prejudice to 
account it essential to the ordinance, and to imagine that it 
adds anything to its perfection or solemnity. The truth is, 
that to aid his people in examining themselves, should be the 
object of a minister from the beginning to the end of the 
year, and that he should study so to divide the word of truth, 
that all may be furnished with the means of ascertaining their 
state and character, before they assemble to celebrate the 
Supper. But, although this part of the service is not neces- 
sary, is not adopted in many Christian societies, and might 
be laid aside without in any degree impairing the original 
institution, at which it was not observed, yet there is no doubt 
that it has been productive of good, and might have produced 
more, if it had been judiciously conducted. Ministers should 
beware of the two extremes, of being too easy or too severe ; 
of being too easy, lest they embolden the profane ; and of 
being too severe, lest they discourage the pious. There is 
danger to be apprehended from their boundless charity, and 
from their gloominess and narrow-mindedness. The word of 
God is the only standard of character ; and as it excludes all 
who are living in sin, so it invites all who love the Saviour, 
' although their love should be as a grain of mustard-seed. 
The plan at present pursued in our church is preferable to 
that of our predecessors, who, taking the decalogue as their 
Standard, excommunicated sinners of every description and 
degree, many of whom were well known not to be present, 
and would have disclaimed the privilege which was publicly 
denied them. What had they to do to judge them who were 
without? Ought they not to judge them alone who were 
within ?" This extract from the late distinguished professor 
of Theology in the Secession body, though longer than we 
had intended, we could not withhold ; as it may perhaps be 
read by many with satisfaction, who may not have access to 
that noble work. 



160 INFANT BAPTISM. 

The practice of distributing tokens to communicants on 
Saturday or Sabbath morning, previous to the communion 
service, universally prevailed, and was, no doubt, introduced 
into this country from Scotland and the north of Ireland. 
When at our early sacraments, so large a proportion of 
intending communicants were from surrounding churches, it 
seemed a highly proper custom. It is now, to a great extent, 
discontinued. It may well be doubted whether any real 
advantage can be shown, from the continuance of this con- 
fessedly human device, in any of our churches now. We are 
familiar with all that has been alleged in its defence. We 
are aware of the circumstances which seemed to render it 
necessary in early times. But even then, the evils, at least 
the embarrassing inconveniences, sometimes resulting from it, 
might well have raised the question whether they did not out- 
weigh any good that was secured. On the whole, this 
custom so prevalent once in our Western churches, we think, 
is now more honored in the breach than the observance. 

The ordinance of infant baptism was generally administered 
on the Sabbath, at the house of God, at as early a time after 
the birth of the child, as it suited the convenience of parents 
to attend public worship. The practice of confining the 
administration of this ordinance to Mondays of Communions, 
they did not sanction or approve. It appears, from the 
minutes of the Presbytery, that at their spring session, in 
1792, a recommendation of the Synod of Virginia — of which 
they were then a part — came before them, in respect to 
which they adopted the following minutes : " The Presbytery 
taking into their serious consideration the recommendation 
of Synod respecting periodical baptism, cannot see sufficient 
ground from scripture authority for their compliance there- 
with." Is it not likely that these fathers also preferred their 
own usage on this subject, because, by the more frequent 
public administration of that ordinance, an opportunity would 
be better afforded to remind parents and children present, 
almost continually of their solemn obligations ? 



INJUNCTIONS ON PARENTS. 161 

They were all in the habit of engaging parents to strict 
and solemn promises, in reference to the religious training of 
their children. When an attempt was made to introduce a 
laxer system among them, and a reference was made to them 
on the subject, August 12th, 1788, in this form, " Whether 
ministers ought, in the administration of baptism, to require the 
parents to promise to perform certain duties, or only to recom- 
mend the performance of them. ' The Presbytery were unani- 
mously of opinion that it is the duty of ministers, not only 
to recommend, but to require of parents a solemn promise 
that they will, through grace, conscientiously perform certain 
duties which are usually mentioned on such occasions.' " 
Such were their views and practice in those earlier times, in 
regard to the ordinance of baptism. We would further add 
that they not only bound these solemn vows upon the con- 
sciences of parents — but they took care to ascertain how far 
they complied with their engagements.. Especially did they 
attend to the catechetical instruction of all the children and 
youth of their congregations. The children expected, as a 
matter of course, to be examined on the shorter catechism, in 
the course of the pastor's family visitation, and were generally 
ambitious to secure his approbation by their recitations ; and 
of course were usually well prepared for his visits. 

It is very apt to excite surprise upon examining any of 
the letters, papers, or records of those early times that these 
early fathers wrote so small a hand, and crowded so much 
into a little space. This was the case with Finley, M'Millan, 
Power, Smith, and Dod. We have not seen any specimen of 
the hand-writing of Clarke, and Dunlap ; but have been told 
that they were no exceptions in this respect. This may have 
arisen from their custom of preparing small forms or skeletons, 
such as they could conveniently insert in their little pocket 
Bibles, which they used altogether in those days. A modern 
fine Quarto Bible in the pulpit would have been a curiosity 
too exciting to admit of much attention to the sermon — at 
least for a few weeks. But perhaps this peculiarity in their 
11 



162 NO NEWSPAPERS. 

writing arose from the necessity of economising paper, which 
was scarce and very dear.* Book-stores were unknown. How 
they ever succeeded in getting over the mountains such works 
as Pool's Synopsis, Henry's Commentary, Stackhouse's 
Bible, and Ridgeley's Body of Divinity — all folios — has puz- 
zled us to divine. Of the smaller works, such as Boston's 
Fourfold State, Baxter's Saint's Rest, Alliene's Alarm, 
Baxter's Call, Pilgrim's Progress, Ambrose's Looking unto 
Jesus, Flavel's Touchstone, Owen on Prayer, and many 
others, you would generally find two or three of these in 
almost every Presbyterian family. 

Neither our ministers nor people had any religious News- 
paper in those days ; no Magazines nor Reviews. The 
"Western Missionary Magazine" was started in 1802; but 
did not survive the third year. It is well worth looking after, 
as it contains a very considerable amount of valuable matter, 
especially about the early revivals in Western Pennsylvania, 
in Kentucky, and in New England. 

But they had no post-offices — no newspapers of any kind, 
except what came casually to hand, brought out by travellers, 
traders, merchants, and others. The first Newspaper ever 
published in the West was " The Pittsburg Gazette," which 
began July 29th, 1786.t There was no regular mail across 
the mountains for several years after the Redstone Presbytery 
was organized. 

The first regular post from Philadelphia to Pittsburg was 
started in 1788 — and one from Virginia to Bedford — the two 
to meet at Bedford.^ We would think it an intolerable 
hardship now to be deprived of mails and newspapers, especially 
our weekly "Advocates," "Presbyterians," and "Banners." 

* Messrs. Johnson and Sharpless established the first paper-mill in 
the West, in 1797 ; on Redstone Creek, Fayette County, Pa. (See 
Hazard's Register, Vol. 13, page 224.) 

t The first editor was John Scull, Esq., who died, February 8th, 1828, 
in Westmoreland, in the 63d year of his age. 

X History of Pittsburg. 



THE SHORTER CATECHISM. 163 

We would not depreciate the value of periodical literature ; 
but if our forefathers had it not, they at least escaped the 
temptation of wasting too many precious hours over that 
kind of reading, to the neglect of more solid and substantial 
food. And if the people now have much more general intel- 
ligence, through the means of the newspaper press, their 
knowledge has grown, in many cases, more superficial, 
especially in religious matters, than that possessed by many 
of their fathers. . If they had no papers, many of them had 
a few good books, which they often perused. Some of them 
were familiar with Fisher's Catechism ; and in an examination 
on theology, would have put to the blush many a candidate 
before Presbyteries of our day. 

Great attention was paid to the " Shorter Catechism." It 
was usually taught in all the schools. And pious parents 
required a recitation of it in their families, by old and young, 
on Sabbath evening. To have neglected this matter would 
have been regarded as heathenish. Their singing was gene- 
rally of a very plain description. But it was with a hearti- 
ness and earnestness that showed they meant something by it. 
"Praising God by a committee," in other words, the use of 
choirs, was unknown to them. The singing at the church was 
generally led by one or more persons in front of the pulpit ; 
and very commonly a smaller pulpit was constructed in front 
of the minister's, a few feet lower, called the Clerk's desk. 
If the sounds they occasionally made were somewhat nasal, it 
disturbed nobody. The lines were "parcelled" out — some- 
times one at a time — generally two — and in this we have 
certainly gained some advantage. But in those days psalm- 
books were scarce, and many would have been scandalized 
had any attempt been made to sing without "giving out" 
the lines. 

We have little respect for that kind of spirit that would 
flout at their more simple usages, or suppose that our old 
ministers were utterly wanting in taste and refinement, be- 
cause they did not correct or change these customs. How 



164 KEEPING AWAKE IN CHURCH. 

much better, and more in accordance with the true design of 
this part of public worship, the methods of those times, than 
what is witnessed often now, in town or city churches, calling 
themselves evangelical too, when a choir, with or without an 
organ or bass viol, almost entirely monopolise the singing ; 
and professors of religion turn almost half-way round in their 
seats to look up and listen to the choir. ' Tell it not in Gath, 
publish it not in the streets of Askelon.' This is often now 
witnessed in many of our churches. 

In those times, the people all rose in time of prayer, ex- 
cept the aged and infirm, and stood devoutly till its close. 
The indecent practice of multitudes now, either not rising at 
all, or almost immediately popping down again on their seats, 
was unknown in the times of the old Redstone Presbytery. 

There was one custom that then prevailed, which was well 
adapted to the plainness and simplicity of the times, the 
restoration of which we would almost advocate. "When any- 
body became drowsy or weary with sitting, it was perfectly 
allowable to get up and stand awhile. And persons of every 
age and both sexes adopted this custom ; so that, on a warm 
summer day, you might see twenty, fifty, or sixty people, 
young and old, standing bolt upright, in various parts of the 
congregation. By this means, sleep was resisted, and drowsi- 
ness thrown ofi". Subjected to various toils and hardships, 
many, in those days, found it exceedingly diflScult, after a 
week of hard work, to keep themselves awake on the SabbA,h, 
while at church. The services were somewhat long — the 
sermon would often reach the length of an hour and a half. 
Their prayers, too, were often long. In the summer, an 
hour's intermission between sermons was common. Their 
communions were often held out in a grove. Indeed, the ser- 
vices, in many places, were conducted at what they called a 
tent, during the whole summer, when the weather permitted. 
It was customary for many to take their little Bibles with 
them, and to note the text, and the text-proofs quoted. 

The people were generally very plainly clad, and in sum- 



PREACHING WITHOUT A COAT. 165 

mer seldom wore coats at meeting. Even our old ministers 
generally divested themselves of their coats, when they rose 
to announce the text. Their custom was, generally, during 
the period of the year when they preached twice, to make 
one of the discourses a part of a series of lectures, or expo- 
sitory sermons, on some portion of the Bible. The Psalms, 
the Prophecy of Isaiah, or one of the Epistles, would be 
taken up and treated seriatim in this way. The great advan- 
tage to themselves and to their hearers, in this course, need 
not be dwelt upon. It is much to be lamented that it has 
gone so much out of use ; but we rejoice to see that it is 
recently recommended from high quarters of ministerial influ- 
ence. As to the amount of study and preparation necessary 
for such a course of lectures, we believe it requires more 
study and diligence to make a good lecturer, than a good 
text-preacher. 

These early fathers were humble, devoted, prayerful men. 
They studied much, considering their toils and hardships. 
They redeemed much time to prepare beaten oil for the sanc- 
tuary. They were not ambitious to shine as pulpit stars, or 
to blazon their learning or talents. There was not a D. D. 
among them, nor was there while that old Presbytery lasted. 
And yet they were all good scholars and divines, had gradu- 
ated at Princeton, and were well-grounded in literature. 



A SKETCH OF THE LIFE 



EEY. DR. JOHN M'MILLAN.^ 



The Rev. Dr. John M'Millan was born at Fagg's Manor, 
Chester County, Pa., on the 11th of November, 1752. His 
parents, (whose names were William M'Millan and Margaret 
Rea,) came from the north of Ireland to the United States 
about the year 1742, and were first located at Fagg's Manor. 
Here his mother died in 1768. The father married again, f 
and some time during the War of the Revolution removed to 
the Western country, where he died July 2d, 1792, aged 75 
years. His father and mother were both pious ; the latter was 
eminently so. They had eight children — five sons and three 

* This sketch, down till Dr. M'Millan's first visit at Chartiers, was 
written by the Rev. Lemuel F. Leake, and published in the Presbyte- 
rian Advocate, in 1845. With his consent, we have employed it, with- 
out addition or curtailment. We have even received considerable aid 
from him, in the subsequent part of this Memoir. We are also much 
indebted to a printed, but unfinished sketch of the Doctor's life, by the- 
late Rev. Matthew Brown, D. D. It ia much to be regretted that Dr. 
Brown did not turn his attention to this Work, before the growing in- 
firmities of age arrested his further progress. Doubtless he could have 
furnished a valuable Memoir of Dr. M'Millan, together with an interest- 
ing history of Jefi"erson College. Thanks are due, also, to a brother, 
who gave us the use of Dr. M'Millan's Journal, in his own han'dwriting. 
•This was a most unexpected favor, as we had despaired of ever seeing it. 

t Ilis father's second wife was the mother of Professor Miller, late of 
Jefferson College. 

(166) 



THE REV. DR. JOHN M'MILLAN. 167 

daughters. Two of the sons died young. The names of the 
sons who attained to mature age were Thomas and William. 
William was the father of the Rev. William M'Millan, D. D., 
who, at the time of his death, was President of Franklin Col- 
lege, New Athens, Ohio. The daughter's names were Mary, 
Jane and Margaret. John, who was the youngest but one, 
survived all the rest of the family. 

Like Samuel and John of old, and many others of distin- 
guished usefulness in the Church of God, the subject of these 
notes was a son given in answer to special prayer. Before 
the birth, his father, having lost an infant son, whose name 
was John, solemnly vowed to the Lord,* that if he would give 
him another son, he would call his name John, and devote 
him to the work of the gospel ministry. In consequence of 
the birth of this son, who was thus given in answer to prayer, 
and who was named John, in fulfilment of his father's vow, 
many, no doubt, as in the case of the son of Zacharias, were 
made to rejoice ; for he too, as he afterwards appeared, was 
the appointed instrument of God to turn many who were dis- 
obedient to the "Wisdom of the just — to make ready a people 
prepared for the Lord. 

Having made the necessary proficiency in English studies, 
young M'Millan commenced his classical course at the highly 
celebrated Academy at Fagg's Manor, his native place. This 
seminary, which had been founded, and for some time con- 
tinued, by that eminent scholar and divine, the Rev. Samuel 
Blair, was now under the direction of the Rev. John Blair, 
not less distinguished than his kinsman and predecessor. 
Here such men as President Davies, Alexander Cummins, 
Robert Smith, James Finley, John Rogers, and others, some 
of whom were among the master spirits of the age, and the 
most distinguished ministers of the day, had their elemental 
training. The plan of education pursued in such seminaries 

* Although, in Dr. M'Millan's MS., the father only is mentioned — 
yet, as his mother was an eminently devout woman, she doubtless had 
her own exercises of faith and prayer, in reference to the same subject. 



168 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF 

as this had, indeed, less of show than that adopted in the 
gymnasiums, and high schools, and institutes of such lofty 
pretensions, to which the spirit of boasted improvement, and 
we may add, the fastidious taste of the present age, have 
given birth : but it is believed it had far more solid worth, and 
was better adapted to the development of mind. It was bet- 
ter suited to lay a foundation for ripe scholarship. And un- 
less we err in judgment, the mode of discipline then in prac- 
tice was calculated to shed a more healthful influence upon 
the exercise and right improvement of the moral powers. 
Unless we are deceived, the result has shown that there is far 
more sciolism, and far less fixedness of strength of moral 
principle, among nominally educated men of the present day, 
than at the time to which we refer. And for all the prac- 
tical and important purposes of life, such an education as was 
chiefly or wholly obtained at such institutions as the Academy 
at Fagg's Manor, or the Log College on the Neshaminy, was 
far more valuable than that Avhich has the sanction of the 
"Facultates Artium," and the " Sigillum latum Curatorum," 
of many of the Colleges and Universities, of pompous pre- 
tensions, in our day. 

Under circumstances thus favorable for mental and moral 
culture, John M'Millan continued to pursue his studies at the 
Academy in Fagg's Manor, until the removal of Mr. Blair, 
his distinguished Preceptor, to Princeton College.* From 
Fagg's Manor, when he was about fifteen years of age, he 
was sent to the grammar school at Pequea, Lancaster County, 
Pa. This institution was of kindred character with that which 
he had left. It will form an index of its repute to know that 
it was, at this time, under the instruction and superintendence 

* To this venerable institution Mr. Blair was called, by the Trus- 
tees, in 1767. Here he occupied the Chair of Professor of Moral Phi- 
losophy and Theology until the accession of Dr. "Witherspoon to the 
Presidency, in 1769. Mr. Blair was chosen to the office of Vice-Presi- 
dent of the College. (See Note D. appended to Dr. Green's Discourse 
to Baccalaureate, pp. 363 and 394.) 



THE REV. DR. JOHN M'MILLAN. 169 

of such a man as the Rev. Robert Smith. It was here the 
privilege of Mr. M'Millan to enjoy the literary and scientific 
advantages of such a school ; but it was his higher privilege 
still, to attend upon the religious instruction and the ministry 
of this servant of the Lord, so eminent for his zeal, his ability, 
and his success in his Master's work.* 

The residence of Mr. M'Millan at Pequea forms a period 
in history of deep and prominent interest. His timidity of 
temperament, which was characteristic and peculiar, and which 
to himself was often extremely distressing, had hitherto kept 
out of view his moral worth. The native vigor of his mind 
could no longer entirely be concealed. The keen eye of that 
wise observer of human nature, his instructor, Mr. Smith, 
saw through all the darkening disparagements of an exterior, 
forbidding as it was, the indications of talent that gave much 
promise of future usefulness. He would often apply to his 
pupil, M'Millan — referring especially to the character of his 
mind — a plain but expressive adage, the import of which is 
"he is better than he looks." By the kind, and soothing, 
and judicious attention of Mr. Smith, he was encouraged; 
and he soon gave evidence that was decisive, that he possessed 

* Mr. Smith was of Scottish descent. His parents, when he was a 
child, emigrated to America, about the year 1730. In his fifteenth or 
sixteenth year he was hopefully made a subject of God's special grace, 
through the instrumentality of the preaching of Whitefield, whose 
preaching was so remai'kably blessed, both in Britain and in this coun- 
try. He pursued his classical and theological course of instruction 
under the direction of the Rev. Samuel Blair, of Fagg's Manor. In 
1750, he was licensed, and was ordained the pastor of the church of 
Pequea in 1751. In the year 1784, he received the honorary degree of 
D. D. from the College of New Jersey. After having acquired high dis- 
tinction as a classical teacher, as an instructor in theology, and as a 
minister of the gospel, he closed a life of great usefulness in his 63d 
year. See a sketch of his life and character in the Assembly's Maga- 
zine, Vol. 2, Number for January, 1806. The writer of that sketch 
says of Dr. Smith, " He was certainly among the most able theologians, 
the most profound casuists, and the most convincing of successful 
preachers of his age." 



170 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OP 

an intellect of a high order. But the part of his history 
while yet at Pequea, of greater interest still, remains to be 
told. While a pupil here, it pleased God to visit the congre- 
gation of Mr. Smith with a special outpouring of his Spirit. 
Almost the whole school was made to feel the influence of this 
blessed work. The result was, that a majority of the pupils 
in the school was hopefully converted. " Some of them," to 
use Dr. M'Millan's words, " became blessings in their day, 
and were eminently useful in the Church of Christ." It was 
under the overshadowing of this visit of mercy and grace 
that his own soul was made the subject of religious impres- 
sions that were deep, powerful, and abiding. He was now, 
probably, about sixteen or seventeen years of age. And 
although in that very brief and general statement which he 
has left in manuscript of his own history, he has expressed 
no opinion of the precise time of his conversion, yet it is pro- 
bable that it was about the period of his renewal into the 
divine image. He speaks, indeed, of a subsequent time, par- 
ticularly when he was in college, to which we shall hereafter 
advert, when his views of eternal things were clearer and 
more satisfactory. But probably these were the result of the 
actings of a more matured principle of holiness, of a more 
vigorous faith, of a brighter and more joyful manifestation 
of his interest in the Saviour, made to his own soul ; the more 
powerful witnessing of the Spirit that he was a child of God 
— rather indicative of the advancement in the heavenly life, 
than of the soul's first entrance upon it. 

In describing his exercises of mind at the time of the 
Revival at Pequea, Mr. M'Millan thus speaks : "It was here 
that I received my first religious impressions ; though, as 
long as I can remember, I had at times some checks of con- 
science, and was frequently terrified by dreams and visions 
in the night, which made me cry to God for mercy.- But 
these seasons were of short duration : like the morning cloud 
and the early dew, they soon passed away. I knew that I was 
a lost, undone sinner, exposed to the wrath of a justly oficnded 



THE REV. DR. JOHN M'MILLAN. 171 

God. I could do nothing for my own relief. My convictions 
were not attended with much horror, though I felt that I de- 
served hell, and that in all probability it must be my portion ; 
yet I could not feel that distress that I ought to feel, and 
which I thought that I must feel, before I could expect to 
obtain relief. I felt, also, much pride and legality mingled 
with all the duties I attempted to perform. " "In this situ- 
ation," he further adds, "I continued till I went to college." 
Here, although he himself appears not, at this time, to have 
entertained a clear hope that he had passed from death unto 
life, we think we can see the workings of a mind in a state 
similar to that of the Apostle, described in the latter part of 
the 7th chapter of the epistle to the Romans ; where we have 
doubtless delineated the exercises and views of a soul new- 
born : " For we know that the law is spiritual ; but I am 
carnal, sold under sin : for the good which I would, I do not ; 
but the evil which I would not, that I do, oh wretched man 
that I am," &c. 

In the consideration of the case of Mr. M'Millan, thus 
early called (if we may date his conversion about this period,) 
into the kingdom of grace ; and called, too, in a season of the 
special and powerful outpourings of the Spirit ; we are re- 
minded of what we believe to be God's most usual method of 
furnishing instruments of great usefulness in the church. 
While genuine conversion at any time of life, and under any 
circumstances, is an event as desirable and important as is 
the salvation of the deathless soul, and causes much joy among 
the angels of God, yet there is ordinarily little hope of exert- 
ing extensive influence for good where the energies of youth 
are wasted, and the mind is debased and paralyzed by a long 
course of sin. But when the niind is early brought under the 
influence of grace, and especially when its first spiritual 
breathings are in the atmosphere of a revival, other circum- 
stances being equal, much fairer promise is given of a health- 
ful and vigorous youth in piety. And when, as in the case 
before us, strong native talent is thus moulded, and directed, 



172 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF 

and ennobled by sanctifying grace, and the life be long con- 
tinued, and Providence spreads out a favorable field, and leads 
to its occupancy, there is reason then to anticipate much eflS- 
ciency in doing good. 

At witnessing this great and important crisis in Mr. M'Mil- 
lan's history, so great and important, viewed both in its tem- 
poral and eternal bearing and connexions, we may well suppose 
his pious parents would feel an intense interest.* As has 
been remarked, this son had been given to them in answer to 
their prayers ; and even before his birth they had solemnly 
devoted him to the Lord : and all along the hazardous path 
of childhood and youth, they had doubtless watched over him 
with a solicitude which none but parents of their character 
and circumstances could feel. It was, too, with considerable 
effort, and at much worldly sacrifice, that they furnished the 
means of sustaining him in his academical course. f But 
after all the pious care in training him up for God, and the 
expense incurred in furnishing the means of literary improve- 
ment, unless he should be made a subject of God's special 
grace, he must and ought not only to stop short of the minis- 
try, but his talents and acquirements might only prepare him 
for doing more extensive mischief in his day and generation, 
and for a deeper and more appalling condemnation in the 
world to come. While, therefore, they would feel it their 
duty and privilege, in humble dependence on God for the 

* Whether his mother was now alive, is not certainly known. She 
appears, from what we can gather from the records, to have lived till 
after he went to the academy at Pequea. But whether her decease took 
place shortly before or subsequently to the supposed period of his con- 
version, cannot be determined. But if her sainted spirit were now in 
heaven, her interest and her joy were not the less intense because un- 
earthly. 

t The pecuniary circumstances of Dr. M'Millan's father were only 
moderate ; and to defray the expenses of his son's education, he was 
often straitened and subjected to considerable difficulty. Even his sis- 
ters, much to their honor, engaged in the labors of the field to help for- 
ward their brother in obtaining his education. 



THE REV. DR. JOHN M'MILLAN. 173 

3ing, to employ all the instrumentalities at their command 
for securing the object of their hopes, their bosoms would 
often beat with the heavings of strong desire that God would 
be gracious to their son — that Christ might be formed in his 
heart the hope of glory ; with what emotions would they then 
contemplate those buddings of grace so full of promise and 
hope. Their covenant-keeping God has now, in the hopeful 
conversion of their son, given them fresh proofs that he is the 
hearer of prayer. And now their trust in him is strengthened, 
and they feel that it is scarcely too much to hope that their 
son, through the mercy of the Lord, will one day become a 
faithful minister of the New Testament; — and that having 
instrumentally turned many to righteousness, he would at last 
shine as a star in the kingdom of his Father forever. Say, 
pious parent, would not the hope of seeing your son crowned 
with the richest diadem of earthly royalty be poor and low, 
compared with such anticipations ? 

Mr. M'Millan continued at the academy in Pequea until the 
spring of 1770, when he entered the college at Princeton, 
New Jersey. He was in his eighteenth year. And as the 
circumstances under which he had pursued his more early 
course of study had been propitious, so now he had the privi- 
lege to enjoy the advantages in an institution so signally 
blessed of God, and so famed as a nursery of piety and sound 
learning as Nassau Hall ; an institution which has had at its 
head men of the first order, and which reckons among its 
alumni, in proportion to the whole number, more names of 
eminence in the church and in the state than, perhaps, any 
other college in the land. The time, too, in which Mr. 
M'Millan enjoyed its advantages was one of the brightest 
periods in its history. It was now under the direction and 
care of that great and good man, Dr. Witherspoon ; — a man 
in whose character was exhibited a very rare assemblage of 
greatness and worth ; whose memory is revered not only as a 
preacher, as a divine, and as the head of a distinguished semi- 
nary of learning, but whose great practical wisdom, and whose 



174 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF 

unflincliing patriotism, are known to have shed such an influ- 
ence for good on the political institutions and destinies of his 
adopted country. 

In the summer of 1768, Dr. Witherspoon, at the unani- 
mous, the urgent, and repeated call of the trustees, came over 
from Scotland and took charge of the college. It was about 
two years after this that Mr. M'Millan entered as a student 
here ; and during the time of his continuance at this place, 
which was two years a«d a half, the mind of the instructor, 
which was in the full vigor of its exercise, would scarcely fail 
to impress something of its own character on the mind of the 
pupil : and, accordingly, in tracing the subsequent career of 
the subject of this notice, we shall probably not be mistaken 
in supposing that we are able to see striking indications of 
the results of that influence which was now brought to bear 
upon him. However this may be, we certainly do not err 
when, in reference to the part he was afterwards to act on the 
great theatre of life, especially in reference to the place in 
the Lord's vineyard which he was afterwards to occupy, we 
attach high importance to that holy and heavenly influence 
he was made to feel while he was at this favored institution. 
We refer to the influence of a season of refreshing with which 
the college was visited shortly after Mr. M'Millan was a stu- 
dent there. Concerning his exercises at this season, so fraught 
with mercy to his own soul, and to the souls of others, he has 
himself left the following brief records ; 

' I had not," he states in his MS., " been long here until a revival of 
religion took place among the students. I believe, at one time, there 
were not more than two or three but what were under serious impres- 
sions. On a day which had been set apart by a number of students as 
a day of fasting and prayer, while the others were at dinner I retired 
into my study ; and while trying to pray, I got some discoveries of 
divine things which I had never had before. I now saw that the divine 
law was not only holy, just, and spiritual, but also that it was good ; 
and that conformity to it would make me happy. I felt no disposition 
to quarrel with the law, but with myself, because I was not conformed 
to it. I felt it now easy to submit to the gospel plan of salvation ; and 



THE REV. DR. JOHN M'MILLAN. 175 

felt a calm and a serenity of mind to which I had hitherto been a 
stranger. And this was followed by a delight in contemplating the 
divine glory in all his works ; and in meditating on the divine perfec- 
tions, I thought that I could see God in everything around me." 

Thus while he was at college, we again see the agency of 
God strongly and visibly marked ; his spirit concurring with 
his Providence in maturing young M'Millan's preparation for 
his future work. He was afterwards to be extensively en- 
gaged in forming the minds of others. Especially was he to 
be called to the high trust of training young men to the gospel 
ministry. He was, too, to be a revival man — a revival man 
not in the grossly perverted sense in which that appellation 
has been often employed in our day. Not one, who, by his 
wild and wicked extravagance, spreads abroad fire-brands, 
arrows and death, in the church ; — not one who, under the 
influence of pride and self-seeking, resorts to all sorts of 
trickery to get up an excitement — nor yet one, who, though 
well meaning, yet led on by his misguided zeal, becomes frantic 
in religion, and imparts his frenzy to others. His was not to 
be the unenviable fame of manufacturing misnamed revivals 
— revivals that curse the church and ruin souls, and dishonor 
God and outrage the cause of truth and righteousness — that 
so caricature religion itself, that the very name revival 
becomes at length, a term of reproach, and an object of un- 
mingled scorn. He was to be the distinguished instrument, 
in God's hand, in effecting and promoting such revivals as 
have resulted in the enlargement of the church, by the 
accession, it is believed, of hundreds of genuine converts, and 
in the great increase of practical godliness ; which, in a word, 
have shed a mighty and a lasting influence for good, on all 
the most precious interests of Zion, and on the general com- 
munity. That he might thus be well furnished for purposes 
so important, was he thus schooled in the Providence and 
grace of God, who sees the end from the beginning. And 
when afterwards he was called to act, as his history will tell, 
he brought up to the work a mind and a heart, which gave 
full proof of the early training he had received. 



176 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OP 

Mr. M'Millan having completed his course at Princeton 
College, was, at the Commencement in the fall of 1772, 
admitted to the jBrst degree of the arts in that institution. 
He now returned to Pequea, with a view to the prosecution 
of a regular course of study in theology, under the direction 
of the Rev. Dr. Robert Smith, who, as before stated, had 
been his classical instructor, immediately previous to his 
entering the college. At that time, and for more than thirty 
years after, there were no regularly organised theological 
seminaries in our country.* And although the professorship 
of theology had been formally conferred upon the Rev. Mr. 
Blair at Princeton, shortly before, and was at this time filled 
by Dr. Witherspoon, in connexion with the presidency ; and 
although there had been for some time previous, and there 
was now, a class in theology at Princeton, as preparatory to 
the ministry ; and although there were at other colleges 
similar classes — yet these classes were usually quite small. 
By far the greater number of those who had the ministry in 
view, either chose, or were led by their circumstances to pursue 
their theological course in a more private way. And if, under 
the direction of some intelligent, judicious and devoted pastor, 
with the privilege of access to a library, which, though mode- 
rate in size, was well selected ; their opportunities were less 
splendid and the form of their preparation was less imposing ; 
yet in some important respects, their real advantages were 
superior. From the necessity of the case, they were obliged 
to think more for themselves. What they read, they digested 
better, and made it more their own. They were less in danger 
of knowing superficially, everything in theology and its 
kindred sciences. Their time was less occupied, and their 
attention was less frequently diverted by the mere etiquette 
of system — a system unsuited, perhaps, in many of its details, 

* The Theological Seminary under the patronage of the Congrega- 
tional Church, founded at Andover, Massachusetts, in 1808, and the 
Theological Seminary established at Princeton, New Jersey, in 1812, 
are the oldest in the United States. 



THE REV. DR. JOHN M'MILLAN. 177 

to tlieir own peculiar cast of mind, and thus calculated to 
cramp its energies and hinder the cultivation of habits of 
close, patient, and successful thinking. But this is not all — 
students in theology, under such circumstances, would see the 
various and important duties of the pastoral office carried out 
in their practical details, and thus they would acquire the 
elements of an experience on this subject, so valuable to them 
in after life, and which they could not so well and so easily 
learn by any other course of preparation. [Students in 
theology would thus enjoy advantages somewhat resembling 
those of medical students attending Clinical Lectures. — J. S.] 

There were several considerations that influenced Mr. 
M'Millan to select Pequea as the place of his theological 
study. It was associated in his mind with many interesting 
recollections. It was, as we have supposed, the birthplace 
of" his renovated nature. He had here more pious friends, 
with whom, in the freshness of his piety, he had taken sweet 
counsel. It was not far from his father's residence. His 
means were not ample. Here the style of his living was 
plain and simple. He was strongly attached to Dr. Smith ; 
a man in whose character were blended so many excellencies, 
and who, under God, had been an instrument of so much 
good to himself. And in choosing Dr. Smith as his theolo- 
gical teacher he showed his good sense, as well as his warmth 
of feeling ; for he scarcely could have made a better choice. 
The writer of the sketch of Dr. Smith's life, to which we 
have before referred, says, " Many of his classical pupils, as 
well as others, returned to him from college, to complete their 
theological studies under his direction in whom they were sure 
to find an able instructor and an excellent model of practical 
preaching. To have enjoyed the theological training of such 
a man. Dr. M'Millan was accustomed to regard as one of the 
happiest and most important providential arrangements of 
his life. 

The exercises of Dr. M'Millan's mind, as recorded by him- 
self at this period of entering upon the study of theology, 
12 



178 A SKETCH OF TUE LIFE OF 

as immediately preparatory to the preaching of the gospel, 
were such as might be expected. In reference to the work 
of the ministry, the great Apostle of the Gentiles w^ con- 
strained to say, "who is sufficient for these things?" And 
that man who rushes upon his work without many a solemn 
pause, without a strong sense of the dread responsibilities 
which it involves, and without a deep feeling of his own un- 
worthiness and his own insufficiency, runs before he is sent. 
He is not called of God, as was Aaron. It is manifest that 
he is a profane and an impious intruder into the sanctuary 
of the Lord. And at this day the church needs to employ 
special caution that she lay hands suddenly on no man. At 
this day, when a religion of show and of mere forms, court- 
ing an alliance with the spirit of the world, seeks with special 
energy to usurp the place of genuine godliness, piety, decisive 
and deep-toned, is especially needed. It is true, that in our 
church the ministry has not thrown about it the meretricious 
lure of livings and sinecures established by law. Althoiigh 
it is here untinselled with the pomp and power of earthly 
emoluments, which a lordly, prelatical assumption claims for 
it, yet, without a mind well balanced, without a piety intelli- 
gent and vigorous, men may be influenced, by motives most 
unworthy, to seek the sacred office. Zealous, but weak young 
men, who are pious, may form a wrong estimate of their 
powers, and greatly err in supposing that this is the field in 
which they can do most good. Increased facilities for ac- 
quiring an education, afforded by the charitable funds, the 
partiality of friends, and even the rivalship of instructors 
and of public institutions, may present undue encouragement. 
And men who are not pious may yet propose to themselves a 
comparative ease, and a comparative elevation in rank and 
authority, in entering the ministry in our church, humble as 
are its claims under the form of Presbyterian parity, and in 
view of all the self-denial with which it is associated by those 
who rightly regard it. And thus, without special vigilance 
on the part of the church, there is great danger lest an in- 



THE REV. DR. JOHN M'MILLAN. 179 

creased proportion of incompetent, and even wicked men, be 
set apart to the work. 

In the case, however, of Mr. M'Millan, we have no sur- 
prise, when upon this subject we hear him utter such language 
as this: "At the time," — the time when he began to study 
theology at Pequea, under the direction of Dr. Smith, — he 
remarks, " I had great difficulties in my own mind about 
undertaking the work of the gospel ministry. However, I 
at last came to the conclusion to leave the matter wholly with 
God. If he opened the way, I would go on ; if he shut it, I 
would be satisfied. And I think if ever I knew what it was 
to have no will of my own, it was about this." In reading 
this record, we are forcibly reminded of the shrinking back 
of Moses from the work to which God was calling him. " And 
he said, my Lord, send I pray the hand of him whom thou 
wilt send." And of his sense of dependence when, at a sub- 
sequent period, he said, " If thy presence go not with me, 
carry me not up hence." We think we here see the move- 
ments of a mind jealous of itself with a godly jealousy.' .A 
mind which, under a conscious sense of unfitness for the work, 
is afraid to go forward, but yet dares not go back ; and which, 
at length, giving itself up to be guided and blessed of God, 
merges all its purposes and desires in his sovereign pleasure. 
At what time precisely Mr. M'Millan was received as a can- 
didate for the gospel ministry, under the care of the Presby- 
tery, is not known. It was probably soon after he commenced 
the study of theology. "We, however, know that he passed 
through his trials for licensure under the direction of the 
Presbytery of Newcastle, and was licensed by that body as a 
probationer to preach the gospel at East Nottingham, Penn- 
sylvania, on the 26th of October, 1774. When he was licensed 
to preach, he was within a few days of 22 years of age. And 
now he entered upon the work which for nearly 60 years con- 
stituted his most delightful employment. On the Sabbath 
immediately subsequent to his licensure, as appears from his 
Journal, now before us, he preached at Fagg's Manor, his 



180 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF 

native place. Through the whole ensuing winter and spring, 
and every Sabbath, without exception, he preached princi- 
pally in the vacancies in Newcastle and Donegal Presbyteries. 
We have no information as to the results. His Journal at 
this time is little more than a naked statement of times and 
places. When we recollect his youth, and the little prepara- 
tion he had probably been able to make, and if his practice 
of writing out and memorizing his sermons was then the same 
as in after life, we have evidence of laborious zeal in his Mas- 
ter's service. We have here a fair specimen of that patient, 
and laborious, and persevering industry, surmounting all dif- 
ficulties and discouragements, for which afterwards he was so 
distinguished. 

In the summer of 1775, he took a tour through the settle- 
ments of Virginia, between the North and South mountains, 
in Augusta and Rockbridge Counties. In July, he crossed 
the mountains between Staunton and the head of Tygart's 
valley, preaching in the various settlements through which he 
passed, until he came to Chartiers. In this journey he expe- 
rienced great privations and difiiculties. In the country 
through which he passed, there were no roads but paths and 
Indian trails, crossed by others — the population very sparse 
— the people living in huts — and those often twenty miles 
apart. The following extract from his Journal will give a 
specimen of the trials of those pioneers, and early emigrants 
in general : 

" This morning crossed the Laurel Hill — came to Mr. Barker's about 
12 o'clock. Here my company left me ; and Mr. Barker, who had pro- 
mised to accompany me to the next house, which was about thirty miles 
distant, not having his horse at home, I was forced to tarry there till 
five o'clock, when the horse coming home, we set off. Nothing remark- 
able happened, save that Mr. Barker shot a doe, part of which we car- 
ried with us. Night coming on, and being far from any houserwe were 
forced to think of taking up our lodging in the woods : we sought for a 
pla(!e where there was water, unsaddled our horses, hobbled them with 
hickory bark, and turned them to the hills : we then kindled a fire, 
roasted part of our venison, and took our supper: about ten o'clock, we 



THE REV. DR. JOHN MCMILLAN. 181 

composed ourselves to rest. I wrapt myself in my great coat, aud laid 
me on the ground ; my saddle-bags served me for a pillow. 

Thtirsday. — This morning we rose very early, ate our breakfast, got 
OUT horses, and set to the road again. About noon, we arrived at Eze- 
kiel York's. Here my company left me, and I had to take the woods 
alone : crossed two hills which, if they were in some parts of the world, 
would be called lofty mountains ; and after travelling what they call 
twelve miles, through an almost pathless way, I came to the glades. My 
lodging, this night, was not muc& better than the night before. I had 
a deer-skin and a sheet spread under me, some clothes above me, and a 
pillow was laid for my head. This, however, I put under my haunch, 
to keep my bones from the floor, and I placed my coat under my 
head. 

Friday. — I left the glades, and travelled ten miles to one Coburn's. 
Here I got some grain for my horse, which was the first he had since 
Wednesday morning. They told me I was then about ten miles from 
Colonel Wilson's, where I intended to tarry the remainder of the week : 
but this day being very wet, the road difficult, and houses scarce, I lost 
my way very often. Some places I could get no directions. And what 
directions I got, I could not follow, because of the multitude of paths 
that are every where through the woods. About sunset I came to a 
plantation, where I intended to tarry all night : but when I came to the 
cabin, it was waste. I searched all about, but could find no inhabitants. 
I t'hen took another path, which led me to a cabin ; but there was no- 
body at home, and the door was barred. I then took my horse again, 
and went further along the path, to see if there was any other cabin 
nigh ; but could find none. The night being dark, and very rainy, I 
therefore resolved to return to the fore-named cabin. When I came 
there, I found the cabin still barred, and nobody at home. I, however, 
unsaddled my horse, and turned him into a field which lay convenient. 
Finding it impossible to open the door, I climbed the wall, and went 
into a hole in the roof, which served instead of a chimney. I then 
opened the door, brought in my saddle, kindled a fire ; and after I had 
ordered my affairs as well as possible, I laid myself down on a sort of 
bed, and slept very contentedly till morning. 

Saturday. — This morning I buckled on my wet clothes, got my horse, 
barred the doors, and left my lonely lodgings, not knowing whioji way 
to steer. But before I had gone many rods, I met the owner of the 
cabin returning home. I told him the story, got directions of the road, 
and came to Mr. Wilson's in time for breakfast. 

The 1st of August. — Preached at Mount Moriah; but the day being 
rainy, there was only a small congregation. However, they seemed 
pretty attentive, and a few tears were shed by some. In the evening, 



*f^ 



182 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF 

I returned to Colonel Wilson's, and tarried there till Wednesday morn- 
ing, part of -which time I spent in writing. 

Wednesday/. — Rode about fourteen miles, and preached at John Arm- 
strong's, on Muddy Creek, to a small congregation. There I remained 
till Sabbath morning. But the weather being rainy, and the house 
small, I got but little done. 

The second Sahbaih of August. — Rode about four miles down the 
river, and preached at John M'Kibbon's, on Dunlap's Creek, and lodged 
with him all night. 

Mondaij. — Finished my first sermon, and began a second, on Luke, 
14—23. 

Tuesday. — I spent the forenoon in writing, and then went about four 
miles to Mr. Adams', where I spent the remainder of the day. 

Wednesday. — Preached at James Pieketts', to a pretty large congre- 
gation, and then rode about five miles, to David Allen's. 

Thursday. — Spent the forenoon in conversation with my old acquain- 
tances, and in the afternoon preached to a number of the neighbors. 

Friday. — Travelled about twelve miles, to Edward Cook's, where I 
tarried till Sabbath. 

The third Sabbath of August. — Preached at Pentecost's, to a very 
small congregation. The people had been dilatory, and had not given 
a proper warning. I tarried here till Wednesday, when I rode about 
six miles further, and lodged that night with my brother-in-law. 

Thursday and Friday — Spent in visiting friends and acquaintances. 

Saturday Morning. — I travelled about sixteen miles, to John M'Dow- 
ell's, on Chartiers, where I stayed till Monday morning. 

The fourth Sabbath of August. — Preached at John M'Dowell's. 

Monday. — Rode about sis miles, to Patrick M'CuUough's, on Pidgeon 
Creek. 

Tuesday. — Preached at Arthur Forbise's, and lodged with Patrick 
Scott." 

He preached also at Thomas Cook's, on the following day. 
Then returned to his brother-in-law's — remained over Sab- 
bath, (the first Sabbath of September,) and preached at a 
meeting-house, on the banks of the Monongahela. The second 
Sabbath of September he preached at Fort Pitt, lodging with 
Mr. Orrasby. Thence he set out homeward, and reached his 
father's house in October, 1775. He then attended Presby- 
tery, and was again appointed to visit Augusta and West- 
moreland. Accordingly, in November, he took his second 



THE REV. DR. JOHN M'MILLAN. 183 

journey to Virginia, passed through Winchester and Staun- 
ton, and continued in Augusta until January, 1776. We give 
another extract from his Journal, respecting this visit to Vir- 
ginia ; which, while it may be passed over by some of our 
readers, will, perhaps, be read with interest in that quarter, 
should this Work ever wander so far South. 

" Tuesday, (after the second Sabbath of November, 1775.) — Got my 
horse shod — set out on mj journey for Augusta — passed through York, 
and after travelling about 26 miles, we came to the Buck, where we 
tarried all night. 

Wednesday. — Got free lodging last night — this day passed through 
M'Allister'stown, Lytle'stown, and Taneytown ; and, in the evening, 
after having travelled 43 miles, came to Bentley'stown, where we tar- 
ried all night. 

Thursday. — Passed through Fredericktown — crossed Monockosy and 
Potomac, and lodged at Mr. Harper's. This day we travelled about 31 
miles. 

Friday. — After having travelled about 34 miles, and passed through 
Winchester, we came to John Gilkeson's. But he having a husking 
frolic, we thought it improper to tarry all night. However, we left our 
horses there, and walked over to Piobert Wilson's. I thought to have 
taken off my boots, as they were inconvenient to walk in, but upon 
examining my saddle-bags I found I had no shoes. 

Saturday. — The Sabbath drawing near, I found that I could not 
reach any other congregation in time to give the people any warning. 
Therefore, concluded to remain until Monday. 

Sabbath, (the third in November.) — Preached at Opequon meeting- 
house, and lodged with John Gilkeson. 

Monday. — Passed through Stephen'sburgh, Stoverstown, and Millers- 
town — crossed Shenandoah, and after travelling 48 miles, we came to a 
Dutchman's, where we tarried all night. 

Tuesday. — We rode this day 35 miles — crossed the North river, and 
lodged at widow Watson's. 

Wednesday. — About noon, came to Staunton ; where, it being Court 
time, I met with a number of my old acquaintances, who professed 
great joy to see me. I stayed in town till towards evening, and then 
rode to John Trimble's. This day I travelled about 22 miles. 

Thursday. — Continued at Mr. Trimble's. 

Friday. — Went to John Moffat's. 

Saturday. — Returned to Mr. Trimble's; and, in the evening, Benja- 
min Brown brought me a pair of shoes, for which I paid him 8 5, 



184 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF 

Sabhaili, (the fourth In November.)— Preached at the North mountain, 
and lodged with Matthew Thompson. 

Monday. — This day I rode in company with John Thompson about 
16 miles, to see my uncle on Back creek ; found them all well. 

Tuesday. — This morning proving very stormy, we thought it most 
convenient to return again to the settlements, and accordingly I took 
leave of my relations ; and though it snowed excessively, we set to the 
road, and in the evening came again to Matthew Thompson's. 

Wednesday. — Went to Hugh Torbet's — from thence to Alexander 
Mitchell's, where I tarried all night. 

Thursday. — Came to Joseph Blair's. 

Friday, (1st Dec.) — Rode to John Moffat's in the evening — got a 
tooth pulled by Wendal Bright — tarried here until Sabbath, and began 
to write a sermon on Matthew xvi. 26. 

Sabbath, (the first in December.) — Preached at the Stone meeting- 
house ; and, in the evening, rode in to Staunton, in company with Mrs. 
Keed — lodged at Mr. Reed's. 

Monday. — I left town — called at Mr. Trimble's, and lodged with Mr. 
Moffat. This evening I began a sermon on Luke xiii. 5. 

Tuesday. — This day I spent chiefly in study. 

Wednesday. — This day I moved my camp to Wm. M'Phuter's. 

Thursday and Friday. — Continued at the same place, spending my 
time chiefly in study, and finished my sermon on Luke xiii. 5." 

Thus the journal proceeds ; and by its statements we can 
trace his course, his labors, and his studies, on his ■waj 
back — down the valley — and thence to Winchester; and 
thence, in the depths of winter, over the Alleghany moun- 
tains. On New Year's day, 1776, he had preached at Peter 
Hanger's to a large assembly, and next day set out down the 
valley; and having- preached on the first Sabbath of that year 
at Opequon, and lodged at night with Mr. Holliday, he set off 
on Tuesday for the mountains. Mr. Gray went with hira part 
of the way — dined at Mr. Hog's, and lodged that night at 
Robert White's. The second Sabbath of January he spent in 
Romney: "This morning," when he was in Romney, "Mr. 
Manning, the parson of this parish, came, contrar^" to the 
expectations of the people, and would preach, though re- 
quested by the people not to do it. After he had gone 
through his service, as he calls it, and preached a short ser- 



THE BEV. DR. JOHN M'MILLAN. 185 

mon, I also preached in my turn." His journey over tte 
mountains was attended with much exposure and suffering. 
His horse one day got away from him, and compelled him to 
walk many miles, but he at length recovered him. At length 
he arrived at Chartiers and Pigeon creek. Here he preached 
on the fourth Sabbath in January, 1776, and on the following 
Sabbath at Chartiers. He continued dividing his time be- 
tween these two places until the latter end of March, when 
he returned to Fagg's Manor. 

His second visit seemed to have awakened great interest in 
these places. There are notices in his journal, of his con- 
gregations being often " numerous, very attentive, and much 
affected." Soon after his return — a call was prepared, pre- 
sented, and accepted by him, at the Presbytery of New Castle, 
April 22d, 1776. He was then dismissed to join the Pres- 
bytery of Donegal, which met at Chambersburg, 19th of 
June, 1776, when he was ordained with a view to take charge 
of these congregations. The Presbytery of Donegal included 
the whole territory west of the mountains, and of course 
embraced the congregations of Chartiers and Pigeon Creek. 
After his ordination, he spent most of the ensuing summer 
in the neighborhood of Fagg's Manor. On the 6th of August, 
he was married to Miss Catherine Brown, (youngest child of 
William Brown, a ruling elder in the church of Upper 
Brandywine,) by the Rev. Mr. Carmichael. This excellent 
woman was peculiarly qualified to be his companion and helper 
in the important stations he was to occupy. 

Mr. M'Millan did not immediately remove to the West, it 
being in the time of the Revolutionary war, and the Indians 
being troublesome, he was prevented from removing his 
family to his congregation until November 1778. He, how- 
ever, "visited them as often as he could, ordained elders, 
baptized their children, and took as much care of them as 
circumstances would permit." After he at length ventured 
to bring them, he gives the following account of the new scene 
into which he and his family were now brought — in a letter 
to Dr. Carnahan, dated Chartiers, March 26th 1832. 



186 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF 

"When I came to this country, the cabin in which I was to live, was 
raised, but there was no roof to it, nor any chimney, nor floor. The 
people, however, were very kind ; they assisted me in preparing my 
house, and on the 16th of December, I removed into it. But we had 
neither bedstead, nor tables, nor stool, nor chair, nor bucket. All these 
things we had to leave behind us, as there was no wagon road, at that 
time, over the mountains. We could bring nothing with us but what 
was carried on pack-horses. We placed two boxes, one on the other, 
which served us for a table, and two kegs served us for seats ; and having 
committed ourselves to God, in family worship, we spread a bed on the 
floor, and slept soundly till morning. The next day a neighbor coming 
to my assistance, we made a table and stool, and in a little time, had 
everything comfortable about us. Sometimes, indeed, we had no bread 
for weeks together ; but we had plenty of pumpkins and potatoes, and 
all the necessaries of life ; as for luxuries, we were not much concerned 
about them. We enjoyed health, the gospel and its ordinances, and 
pious friends. We were in the place where we believed God would have 
us to be ; and we did not doubt but that He would provide everything 
necessary, and, glory to his name, we were not disappointed." 

He immediately entered upon his arduous labors. The 
circumstances in which he was placed, rendered it necessary 
to work " with his own hands," chopping down timber, felling 
the sturdy oaks, and wielding the mattock, the hoe, and the 
plow. He was a man of vigorous bodily powers, and few of 
his neighbors could excel him in handling the axe and the 
maul.* He did not, however, suffer these necessary toils to 
prevent his careful preparation for his labors on the Sabbath. 
He studied carefully his sermons, generally wrote them out 
in full and committed them to memory. This was his practice 
through his whole future life. "Dr. M'Millan," says Dr. M. 
Brown in an unpublished sketch of his "iife, " having been now 
permanently located, entered upon the duties of his station, 
which were various and arduous, calling forth all his energies 
of body and mind.f For some time it was necessary to en- 

* Dr. M'Millan once remarked to a friend, that he had not, ffom his 
earliest recollection, been confined half-a-day by sickness, during his 
whole life ! 

t Shortly after he settled at Chartiers, he made an appointment on 
the Sabbath, at Parkinson's Ferry, where Monongahela City now stands; 



THE REV. DR. JOHN M 'MILL AN. 18T 

gage in providing the necessaries of life, and making such 
improvements in building, and clearing the ground, as were 
indispensable. These, however, he did not at any time allow 
to interfere with his more important duties as a minister of 
the gospel. He labored in two congregations, and carefully 
prepared written sermons, which he memorised. 

He not only attended t6 the duties of his own extensive 
charge, but frequently was called to officiate in destitute 
places, organize churches and dispense the ordinances among 
them. His labors in the ministry were soon crowned with 
abundant success, as were those of his compeers; and in a 
few years the wilderness became a fruitful field. The Spirit 
of God accompanied the word preached, and converts were 
multiplied." 

The following is the account which Dr. M'Millan gave to 
Dr. Carnahan in the letter already quoted, respecting the 
gracious visitations of Divine Influence to the field of his 
pastoral labors. — " The first remarkable season of the out- 
pouring of the spirit which we enjoyed in this congregation, 
began about the middle of December, 1781. It made its first 
appearance among a few who met together for social worship, 
on the evening of a thanksgiving day which had been ap- 
pointed by Congress. This encouraged us to appoint other 
meetings for the same purpose, on sabbath evenings ; and the 
appearance still increasing, Sabbath-night societies were con- 
tinued with little interruption, for nearly two years. It was 
then usual to spend the whole night in religious exercises ; 

and on the Saturday evening previous, at Ginger Hill, four miles west 
of the Ferry. At this latter place, his horse having been put out to 
pasture, strayed off and could not be found in the morning. After 
considerable search, without success, Mr. M'Millan proceeded on foot 
and fulfilled his appointment at Parkinson's Ferry, returned to Ginger 
Hill and preached there in the afternoon, agreeably to an appointment 
made the preceding evening; after which he walked home nine miles — 
having preached twice and walked seventeen miles in all. 

Judge Gordon, of Monongahela City, informed us of a similar feat 
of the Doctor, not at all inferior to this. 



188 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OP 

nor did the time seem tedious, for the Lord was there, and 
his work went pleasantly on. Many were pricked to the 
heart with deep convictions ; and a goodly numher, we hope, 
were brought to close the happy match with precious Christ. 
At the first sacramental occasion after the work began, forty- 
five were added to the church ; many of whom continued 
bringing forth the fruits of righteousness, and filling important 
ofiices in the church, until they were removed to the world 
of spirits. This time of refreshing continued in a greater or 
less degree till 1794. Upon every sacramental occasion 
during that period, numbers were added to the church, who 
gave comfortable evidence of their having obtained a saving 
change of heart. But as I neglected to keep a register of 
their names, I cannot now ascertain their number. 

" The next remarkable season of the outpourings of God's 
spirit was in 1795. This, however, was not very extensive 
nor of long continuance ; yet during this year about fifty 
were added to the church, most of whom continued by their 
walk and conversation, to manifest that they had experienced 
a real change of heart ; and some of them became successful 
preachers of the gospel, though there were some lamentable 
instances of apostacy. 

In the spring of the year 1799, the Lord again revived his 
work in this congregation. Many were at once awakened to 
a serious concern about their immortal souls, and made to in- 
quire the way to Zion, with their faces thitherward, weeping 
as they went. Of those who were thus awakened, about sixty 
joined the church, and made a profession of religion. This 
revival, as well as that of 1795, was carried on without much 
external appearance, except a solemn attention and silent 
weeping under the preaching of the Word. From that time 
until. the fall of the year 1802, religion was evidently on the 
decline ; for though some were every year added to the cbirch, 
yet they were generally such as had been brought under 
serious impressions in 1799, and there were few or none 
awakened. Sinners became more bold in sin, and floods of 



THE REV. DR. JOHN M'MILLAN. 189 

vanity and carnality seemed likely to carry all before them. 
Even tlie pious themselves became very weak and feeble in 
the cause of Christ, and much buried in the world — insomuch, 
that when God returned to build up Zion, it might in truth 
be said, we were as men that dream. Many stood astonished, 
not knowing what to make of it, and but few were prepared 
to meet the Lord, and bid him welcome. This work differed 
from former revivals only in this, that the body was more 
generally affected.* As far as I could observe, the bodily 
exercise never preceded, but always followed upon the mind's 
being deeply affected with some divine truth. Between fifty 
and sixty joined the church as the fruits of this revival f — a 
number of whom were students in the College, and now 
preaching the gospel of Christ to their dying fellow-men. 
Since that time, religion has been on the decline, though still 
we are not left without some tokens of the Divine presence. 
At every sacramental occasion some have come out from the 
world, and professed to take the Lord for their portion." 

Such is the account which Dr. M'Millan, in his eightieth 
year, gave his friend of what the Lord had done for him, and 
with him. 

We would remark that, like all his fellow-laborers, in those 
seasons, he exercised great prudence and care, giving no 
countenance, by precept or example, to any thing like ex- 
travagance or wild-fire — and watching with his session, care- 

* " It was no unusual thing to see persons so entirely deprived of 
bodily strength, that they would fall from their seats, or off their feet, 
and he as unable to help themselves as a new-born child. I have seen 
some lying in this condition for hours who yet said they could hear 
every thing that was spoken ; and yet their minds were composed and 
more capable of attending to divine things, than when their bodies were 
not thus affected." — Manuscript of Dr. M'Millan. 

t After the close of the revival which began in 1802, though upon 
every sacramental occasion, some joined the church — yet nothing very 
remarkable took place until the year 1823, when God again visited this 
dry and parched congregation with a shower of divine influences. 



190 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF 

fullj, the entrance door of the church. He also labored dili- 
gently, all his life, in instructing his people, and catechising 
the children and youth. Meetings in different neighborhoods 
were held, for doctrinal examination and instruction^ during 
the course of each alternate winter — the other winter would 
be devoted to 'pastoral visitation. At an early period, he 
directed his attention towards the preparation of suitable 
young men, of piety and talents, for the gospel ministry. It 
has been said, though he has not so stated himself, that his 
school began within a year after he removed his family to the 
West. If his efforts, in this way, were not quite so early as 
those of Mr. Dod and Mr. Smith, they were much longer 
continued; and it would appear that many of those who had 
been studying with the former brethren, repaired to Dr. 
M'Millan's, and were under his instruction, both as to part 
of their literary course and as to their theological training. 
He was selected by the Synod of Virginia to manage and 
take charge of the institution which, by their appointment, 
was entrusted to the superintendence of the Presbytery of 
Redstone. 

This institution, with his consent, and the concurrence of 
the Presbytery of Redstone, though not by the direction or 
special authority of the Synod, was located, within a year 
after it was thus originated, in Canonsburg, and became 
merged into the Academy of that place in 1791-2. How far 
the original plan and object of the Synod were carried out 
by this measure we will not stop to inquire. Perhaps there 
were various interests to be consulted and to be harmonised 
by the direction which the whole matter took. The friends 
of ecclesiastical supervision should be cautious, we think, in 
censuring Dr. M'Millan and the Old Redstone Presbytery 
for not more literally carrying out the original device of the 
Synod of Virginia. 

In regard to the other institution, placed under the care 
of Mr. Graham, in Rockbridge, matters took precisely the 



THE REV. DR. JOHN MCMILLAN. 191 

same course. That school was soon merged into Washington 
College, of Lexington. 

Both institutions passed out of the hands and control of 
the church. No one has a right to condemn or complain, 
unless he is thoroughly acquainted with all the facts of the 
case. Indeed, for 60 years Jefferson College has been a 
thorough Presbyterian institution, and is so now. 

Dr. M'Millan strove, in the outset*, to have that school lo- 
cated near him. (See the Rev. R. Patterson's Letter to 
Dr. Brown, published in the Advocate, 1845.) If he yielded 
to the views of others, he no doubt acted conscientiously. If 
his own wishes were thwarted, and for a short time he felt his 
zeal for the academy a little abated, and did not take a very 
prominent or active part in its transactions for the first year 
or two, as we think is evident from its early Records, he sub- 
sequently lent his efficient and powerful patronage to this 
institution ; and when it, at length, became a chartered Col- 
lege, he was its most steady and effectual friend, through his 
long life. Jefferson College owes an immeasurable debt of 
gratitude to Dr. M'Millan; and of course the cause of science 
and literature must ever regard him as one of its earliest and 
most valuable patrons and supporters. Those who preceded 
him a year or two, or at least were his coevals, in the enter- 
prise of getting up "Latin schools," were soon called to their 
rest. Messrs. Dod and Smith were in their graves when the 
Academy at Canonsburg fairly commenced its career. The 
latter, there is reason to believe, was principally instrumental 
in getting the Synod to appoint Dr. M'Millan at the head of 
the Synodical institution that was merged into that Academy. 
When, a few years before, he gave up his school at Buffalo, 
for want of health, and the pressure of pastoral duties, in the 
midst of a constant and long-continued revival — the young 
men who were in his school went over to Dr. M'Millan's 
"Log Cabin." Among these were James Hughes, John 
Brice, James M'Gready, Samuel Porter, and Thomas Mar- 



192 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF 

quis. Dr. McMillan mentions these as his first scholars. TVe 
have evidence that they had jJ'^eviouslr/ been with Mi*. Smith, 
and some of them also with Mr. Dod. * 

* It is singular how much error, especially of anachronism, has per- 
'vaded the fountains of future history about Jefferson College. Take, 
for instance, the following specimen from Day's Hist. Coll. of Pennsyl- 
vania, page 668 : 

" The Rev. Dr. M'Millan, justly called the father of the Presbyterian 
Church here, settled in the County about the year 1773, and was, for 
more than fifty years, the pastor of the Chartiers congregation, which 
he collected. With the commencement of his labors, he began to lay 
the foundation of a literary institution at Canonsburg, and which, with 
the blessing of God, he intended should be a nursery for the Church, as 
well as the State. This was the first literary institution west of the 
mountains. It originated in a small log cabin, where the first Latin 
School was taught by the Hon. James Ross, of Pittsburg, under the 
patronage of the Rev. Dr. M'Millan. The number of students having 
increased, a comfortable stone building was erected in 1790. The 
Canonsburg Academy was then instituted," &c. 

Now this statement contains almost as many errors as there are lines 
in it. Dr. M'Millan, speaking of the origin of his school, says,* "Ac- 
cordingly I collected a few who gave evidence of piety, and instructed 
them in the knowledge of the Latin and Greek, &c., viz. : Jamea 
Hughes, John Brice, James M'Gready, Samuel Porter," &c. These 
were a part of the materials with which, he says, his school began. 
But these had been either with Mr. Dod or Mr. Smith, in their schools, 
before they came to this school at Dr. M'Millan's, in the years 1784-5. 
This is capable of the clearest proof, from various sources. Then this 
school which Dr. M'Millan collected, consisting of these young men, as 
he expressly states, could not possibly have begun till after 1785. 
This writer places the Doctor's settlement back two years before ever 
he saw the West. He moreover tells us, his school was nearly coeval 
with that date. And then he makes the Canonsburg Academy to 
originate in the log cahin school, and speaks of the latter increasing, 
so as to give rise to the other, and the erection of a new building, &c. 
Nothing can be more incorrect. The Academy did not originate in 
the Latin School at the "log cabin," but was begun independently of it, 
and superseded it, and caused its suspension. " I had still a few with 
me," says Dr. M'Millan, " when the Academy was opened at Canons- 

* Original MS. of Dr. M'Millan, in our possession. 



THE KEY. DR. JQHN M'MILLAN. 193 

Dr. M'Millan wag''one of the original members of the Pres- 
bytery of Redstone when it was formed, in 1781. Dm-ing 
the twelve years of its undivided state, he was most punctual 
in attending its sessions. He is scarcely ever reported absent. 
And when the Presbytery, in 1789, was attached to the Synod 
of Virginia, he attended the meetings of the Synod several 
times, though it cost him long and fatiguing journeys across 
the mountains. In 1793, he and Messrs. Patterson, J. Hughes, 
and Brice, were formed into the Presbytery of Ohio, of which 
he continued a member till his death. When the Synod of 
Pittsburg was constituted and held its first meeting, Septem- 
ber 29th, 1802, " the Eev. James Power, who was appointed 
to open the Synod, being sick, it was opened by the Rev. 
John M'Millan with a sermon on Rom. viii. 6." He was 
often, also, a commissioner to the General Assembly. Per- 
haps no man has ever set a better example in his punctual 
attendance upon the judicatories of the church. And his 
thorough acquaintance with the business of such meetings 
always gave him immense influence. He was called to pass 
through many remarkable scenes, and to encounter some 
severe trials. In common with his brethren and their fami- 
lies and people, he, with his family, was, for many years after 
his settlement in the West, subject to great annoyance from 
their savage foes. He was more than once compelled to seek 
for himself, his wife and children, the shelter of a fort. And 

burg, and finding that I could not teach, and do justice to my congre- 
tion, I gave it up, and sent them there." * Other errors here it is un- 
necessary to notice. See also " Life oi" the Eev. Joseph Smith," in this 
volume, p. 122. 

* William Darby, Esq., in a letter dated " Washington [City], December 15th, 
1850," says, "Through 1789, and part of 1790, I resided in the Murdock family, 
who resided in East Chartiers, directly opposite Mr. M'Millan's. That family, 
you know, were Seceders, and members of Mr. Matthew Henderson's congrega- 
tion ; therefore, as I attended with the members of the family, I passed with them, 
every Sabbath-day, past the house and school-house. I often passed there, how- 
ever, on week-days. Though the Academy was then established in Canonsburg, 
the School was still in operation — but when discontinued, I cannot state." 

13 



194 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF 

here, like Messrs. Dod and Smith, he also often preached, 
and prayed, and labored for the salvation of souls. These 
brethren enjoyed some refreshing seasons in their forts and 
with their neighbors, confined like themselves. Like Paul 
and Silas, they "prayed and sang praises to God, and the 
prisoners heard them." It would be interesting to record the 
incidents of such a passage in the life of Dr. M'Millan ; to 
give the details of his hurried departure with his family to 
the fort ; to tell how the news reached them of their danger, 
and how, with the children, his wife and himself would hastily 
hurry away from their cabin, &c. : but the Doctor kept no 
journal of such things ; and those who could have told us of 
these scenes are all gone to where the wicked cease from 
troubling. 

This source of vexation and anxiety was scarcely removed 
by the final termination of all Indian troubles, in consequence 
of General Wayne's complete victory, when the troubles of 
the " Whiskey Insurrection " broke out in 1794. Few of our 
early ministers suffered more annoyance from this source than 
Dr. M'Millan; and none acquitted themselves more nobly 
than did he in the firm and decided stand which he took 
against that popular commotion, and in favor of order and 
obedience to the laws. But a full account of this we will 
give in another part of this work. We will only here remark 
that the West owes much to Dr. M'Millan for the efiectual 
aid which he rendered in bringing that unhappy afiair to a 
peaceful termination. 

Another trial of the faith and patience of this eminent ser- 
vant of God occurred in 1802 ; but one of a more domestic 
nature. Two young ministers of great promise had married 
two of his daughters. The Rev. John Watson, the first presi- 
dent of Jefferson college under the charter, had married his 
second daughter, Margaret. The Rev. Wm. Morehead had 
married his eldest daughter, Jane. For a time, the prospect 
for enlarged domestic and social enjoyment shone brightly on 
the Dr. and his family ; but by the all- wise, yet deeply myste- 



THE REV. DR. JOHN M'MILLAN. 195 

rious Providence of God, these two ministers, who had been 
married to two sisters by their father, on the same day — took 
sick on the same day — died on the same day — and were buried 
in the same grave at Chartiers ! The two funeral processions, 
one coming from the house of Dr. M'Millan, the other from 
the village of Canonsburg, met at the same point where the 
roads united, a few hundred yards from the grave-yard. It 
was doubtless a sore trial to Dr. M'Millan, and his wife, and 
his bereaved children ; but there is reason to believe it was a 
sanctified affliction to them all. Perhaps the usefulness and 
success of Dr. M'Millan's ministry were thereby greatly in- 
creased. And if he found abundant consolation in the pro- 
gress and fruits of the glorious revival that had begun a short 
time before in his charges, this affliction, perhaps, was made 
instrumental in qualifying him anew for the arduous work 
before him, and in giving an impulse to the whole work. Thus 
does God magnify his grace in the afflictions of his ministers. 
" Whether we be afflicted it is for your consolation and salva- 
tion, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings 
which we also suffer ; or whether we be comforted, it is for your 
consolation and salvation." *. 

But Dr. M'Millan, two or three years after this, met with 
a source of annoyance and trouble of a very different charac- 
ter, and perhaps more trying to him than even the death of 
his sons-in-law, and the bereavement of his children. 

In common with his brethren, he had been much annoyed 
years before, at different times, with ministerial adventurers 
who had come out into the western settledients — some of 
them irregular in their conduct — some of them suspended 
ministers,, and one of them with forged credentials. The 
records of the old Presbytery of Bedstone will show what 
trouble such men as Messrs. Barr and Hughey, and the Mor- 
risons and Cooly, had given them and the churches. But 
about 1800, a man of the name of Birch, a Presbyterian 
minister from Ireland, came into the bounds of the Presby- 

* 2 Corinthians i. 6. 



196 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF 

tery, and for some time resided in Washington County. His 
conduct evinced that he was not only destitute of piety, but 
strongly suspected of habitual intemperance. Dr. M'Millan, 
whose failing all his life was a little too much bluntness of 
manner and expression, and who hated everything like hypo- 
crisy and ministerial inconsistency of character, was tempted 
to express himself without much reserve as to his opinion of 
this man.* These things coming to the ears of Mr. Birch, 
he brought charges against Dr. M'Millan before the Presby- 
tery of Ohio. The Presbytery acquitted Dr. M'Millan, with 
the exception of one expression which he had used, and to 
their censure for that he cheerfully and humbly submitted. 
Mr. Birch was dissatisfied with this issue of the matter, and 
gave notice of his intention to appeal to the higher judicato- 
ries of the church. But he changed his mind, and brought 
suit against Dr. M'Millan for slander in the civil court of 
"Washington County. It was tried in October, 1804, and the 
suit was gained by Birch.f An appeal was immediately taken 
to the Supreme Court bj Dr. M'Millan's counsel, the princi- 
pal of whom was the Hon. James Ross, once the Doctor's 
pupil. Here the decision of the lower court was reversed, 
and Dr. M'Millan was acquitted. As the whole case is full 
of interest, and one which, in our judgment, does not in the 
least tarnish the memory of Dr. M'Millan, we will here give it, 
from Binney's Reports, Vol. I., p. 178. 

^^ M'Millan against BireJi, In Error. 

"Pittsburgh, Saturday, Sept. 18ih, 1806, 

" This cause came before the Court by writ of error from the Circuit 

Court of Washington County, It was an action of slander brought by 

Birch against M'Millan, for calling him 'a liar, a drunkard, and a 

preacher of the Devil.' The declaration stated that the plaintiff was a 

* The Presbytery of Ohio, after three successive examination* in 1800 
and 1801, rejected him. See their records, 

t After this most unrighteous verdict, the Presbytery of Ohio, Dec. 
26th, 1804, reaffirmed, in strong terms, their justification and acquittal 
of Dr. M'Millan. 



THE REV. DR. JOHN M'MILLAN. 197 

man of learning, integrity, and piety; and that for twenty-eight years 
last past, he had been, and then was, a minister of the gospel in the 
Presbyterian church, and had taken upon himself the orders of the 
same. It also laid a special damage in consequence of slander, viz., 
that the plaintiff was refused admission into the Presbytery of Hunt- 
ingdon as a member. Pleas — not g^dlty, act of limitation, and Justifi- 
cation. 

" It was proved at the trial of the cause, that the plaintiff was a 
Presbyterian minister, regularly ordained in Ireland — that he came to 
the United States in 1798, and on producing his credentials to the 
standing committee of the Presbyterian church in Philadelphia, was 
permitted to preach there — that he afterwards came with his family to 
Washington County — that upon an application made to the Ohio Pres- 
bytery, he was rejected for want oi experimental knowledge; and that he 
appealed from their sentence to the General Assembly, who, after exa- 
mining and considering the case, did not pass any censure on the Ohio 
Presbytery, but determined that they found no ground why any Pres- 
bytery should not take the plaintiff up, and proceed with him agreeably 
to the rules and regulations in such cases provided. 

" The plaintiff afterwards cited the defendant, who was also a clergy- 
man, before the Presbytery of Ohio to answer for slander and for un- 
christian threatenings. The defendant appeared, and was heard in his 
defence. The Presbytery acquitted the defendant of the charges brought 
against him, except for calling the plaintiff ' a preacher of the Devil ;' 
for which they reprimanded the defendant, and he submitted. The 
plaintiff appealed again to the General Assembly; but apprehending 
that he should not obtain a favorable decision, in consequence of his 
having committed some irregularities in "Washington County, by admi- 
nistering the sacrament and ordaining elders in violation of the rules 
of the church, he gave up his appeal, and withdrew from the jurisdic- 
tion of th-e General Assembly: after which, the Assembly determined 
that they would have nothing more to do with him, and that he never 
had been in union with the Presbyterian church in the United States, 
so as to be authorized to preach as one of their ministers. 

" The plaintiff proved also as laid in the Declaration that he failed in 
his application for admission into the Presbytery of Huntingdon. 

" The words laid in the Declaration, or some of them, were spoken of 
and to the plaintiff, in the Presbytery of Ohio, while the defendant was 
making his defence against the plaintiff's charge. 

" The cause was heard before Judges Yeates and Smith, in October, 
1804, and the counsel for the defendant among other things objected, 
— 1st, That the action could not be maintained by the plaintiff, for words 
spoken of him in his profession of a minister of the Presbyterian 



198 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF 

Church, because the evidence showed that he did not hold that oflBce; — 
and 2dly, That words spoken by defendant in Presbytery, while making 
his defence, against the plaintiff's charge, were not actionable. Upon 
both points the court charged for the plaintiff and sealed a bill of ex- 
ceptions. The jury found for the plaintiff. 

Then follows a report of the arguments of counsel for 
plaintiflf and defendant. 

" Chief Justice Tilghman, then, after stating the facts, delivered the 
opinion of the court as follows :" (and this opinion is deeply interesting 
to us all ; as it settles great principles, and is decisive, in all similar 
cases, to this time.) 

" In arguing the case before us, the counsel for the plaintiff in error, 
(Dr. M'Millan), made four points which it will be necessary for us to con- 
sider. 1. That the words spoken are not actionable, applied to persons in 
general. 2. That they are not actionable when applied to the plaintiff on 
the evidence in this cause. 3. That exclusion from the Huntingdon Pres- 
bytery, is no temporal damage, nor such as the law will take notice of, 
or suffer damages to be recovered for. 4. That the words spoken in his 
defence before the Ohio Presbytery are not actionable." (The first 
three points the court did not sustain, showing reasons at length which 
we need not here transcribe.) 

" I come now to the last point, the only one which is attended with 
difficulty. I will proceed to offer my reasons for thinking that the words 
spoken by the defendant when making his defence before the Presbytery 
are not actionable. I consider malice as an essential ingredient in 
slander. If I say of a man that he is a thief, or that he committed 
murder, the law implies malice in general ; and it lies on me to show 
that there was no malice in my heart. This I may do in various ways. 
I may show that I used the expression when examined as a witness in 
a court of justice ; or when I was concerned in a prosecution as attorney 
for the commonwealth ; and although I was mistaken in the fact, no 
action lies. The occasion of my speaking, being called upon by others, 
and only acting in the course of my duty, preclude the idea of malice. 
So what is said by myself or attorneys in my defence in a court of jus- 
tice, is not actionable ; not only because of the occasion of my speaking, 
but also because the public good requires that every man should be 
allowed to speak freely in his own defence. It is the same with regard 
to what I say as plaintiff in an action ; because there is as much* reason 
why persons should enjoy freedom of complaint as freedom of defence. 
But if any man should abuse this privilege, and under pretence of 
pleading his cause, wander designedly from the point in question and 



THE REV. DR. JOHN MCMILLAN. 199 

maliciously heap slander upon his adversary, I -will not say that he is 
not responsible in an action at law. 

" This freedom of speech, in what is called a court of justice, is not 
confined to courts of common law. Cases have been cited to show that 
it is extended to proceedings in ecclesiastical courts, and proceedings 
before justices of the peace ; and I have no doubt but it should be like- 
wise extended to proceedings before referees. 

" The objection in the case before us, is, that Presbyteries and 
General Assemblies are not courts of justice, because they have no 
authority to administer an oath ; and a person swearing falsely could 
not be indicted for perjury. But although they are not courts of justice, 
they are bodies enjoying certain rights established by long custom, and 
not forbidden by law. They can inflict no temporal punishment, and 
their jurisdiction is founded on the consent of the members of the 
church. No extensive church can preserve decency, good order, or 
purity of manners, without discipline. It serves to correct a multitude 
of evils, which cannot and ought not to be subject to temporal cogni- 
sance. It corrects them, too, in a manner the most mild, the most 
private, and the least scandalous and injurious to religion ; in a manner 
that may reform the offender without exposing him to the open scorn 
and ridicule of the world, circumstances which sometimes render men 
desperate, A jurisdiction of this kind, exercised only over those who 
consent to it, certainly must be productive of good effects ; and it 
appears to me that the persons thus consenting and pleading their 
causes, either in a course of complaint or defence, fall within the prin- 
ciples applied to those who are speaking in courts of justice. If they 
conduct themselves in a decent manner, the occasion of speaking makes 
it improper that the law should imply malice. I repeat the remark 
made before, that if under the pretence of pleading a cause before a 
Presbytery, one should designedly and maliciously wander from the 
point, and slander his opponent, he would be responsible for his con- 
duct in a court of justice. 

" Let us apply these principles to the case before us. It was the 
plaintiff who first affirmed the jurisdiction of the Presbytery, and cited 
the defelidant to answer before it. The defendant did not decline the 
jurisdiction. What then was he to do ? He must either confess the 
words he had spoken of the plaintiff were false ; which if he believed 
them to be true would be a great crime ; or by acknowledging that he 
had spoken them, and endeavoring to justify them, render himself liable 
to an action in a court of law, which had been barred by the act of 
limitation; for this is a consequence if the words spoken there (in 
Presbytery) are actionable. Would these words have been spoken at the 
time if the plaintiff had not extorted them ? And after extorting them 



200 A SKETCH or THE LIFE OF 

shall he apply to a temporal court for damages ? If the law is so, will 
not ecclesiastical jurisdiction prove traps for the unwary ? May not the 
occasion of the defendant's speaking be fairly and candidly said to war- 
rant the conclusion, that he spake not through malice, but in his own 
defence ; or at least, ought it not to form an exception from the general 
rule, by which the law implies malice ? The subject suggests a multi- 
tude of reflectisns ; but I have said enough to explain the principles on 
which my opinion is founded. 

" I am of opinion that the charge of the court was erroneous in the 
last point mentioned, in the bill of exceptions, and therefore the judg- 
ment must be reversed. 

" Brackenridge J., concurred. Judgment reversed." 

This opinion and decision of the court, though occupying 
more of our space than we can well spare, we have thought 
it right to give, not only because it is due to the memory of 
Dr. M'Millan, but on account of its own intrinsic merits. We 
cannot forbear to ask, however, if the rights of ecclesiastical 
courts are only " established by long custom, and not forbidden 
by law?" We had thought they were secured by the consti- 
tution, guaranteeing protection to churches in the exercise of 
discipline, and in the administration of their rules and regu- 
lations, so long as they do not attempt to infringe upon civil 
rights, or inflict temporal pains and penalties. 

So far as we are aware, this vexatious suit, which thus 
issued in Dr. M'Millan's favor, was the end of his troubles 
from that quarter. We have heard that, either then or sub- 
sequently, Mr. Birch was received as a member of the Balti- 
more Presbytery, though he still continued to reside in Wash- 
ington County. This gross irregularity was countenanced 
and sustained by a body that, though it has since risen to the 
highest respectability for its piety, missionary spirit, and noble 
efforts in the cause of church extension, was then counted the 
fag end of the Presbyterian Church.* 

A few years afterwards, the Doctor was not a little worried 
and distressed with the case of Mr. Gwin, of Pigeon Creek, 

* It is proper to add, however, that this irregularity had the sanction 
of the General Assembly. 



THE EEV. DE, JOHN MCMILLAN. 201 

who was suspended from tlie ministry on grounds similar to 
those in the case of Bishop Onderdonk, of New York. At 
first, Dr. M'Millan warmly engaged in the defence of Gwin, 
believing him innocent. But satisfied, at length, of his guilt, 
he took a decided stand for the discipline of the church. This 
case occupied the attention of the Presbytery of Ohio, the 
Synod of Pittsburg, and the General Assembly, for several 
years, and cost Mr. M'Millan and many others of his brethren 
no little trouble and sorrow. 

A more serious source of annoyance to himself personally 
arose out of an attempt to unite the colleges of Jefferson and 
Washington, in 1817. There was much feeling on both sides. 
Heavy charges, after the failure of the negotiation between 
the Boards and their committees, were hurled back and forth. 
And the Doctor did not escape his share. But after the 
battle was over, and the smoke was dispersed from the field, 
we never heard that he was much hurt in any way. We know 
enough about the matter, in its whole extent, to be well aware 
that a much more detailed account than we are willing to give, 
or than any one now would choose to read, would be neces- 
sary, to understand its merits. We think it altogether un- 
necessary to go further into the matter, though it was, for a 
while, one of Dr. M'Millan's very serious annoyances. 

Soon after this, in 1819, he lost his beloved wife. She died 
a peaceful and triumphant death, Nov. 24th, 1819. A few 
months after her death, March 18th, 1820, he wrote to the 
Rev. Dr. Johnston, of Newburgh, New York, once a favorite 
pupil, the following interesting and touching account of that 
important event in his life : 

"I am now a lone widower. My wife left me and went to 
her husband, Jesus, on the 24th of November last. Through 
the greater part of her sickness she complained that she was 
much in the dark, and could not obtain that access to God 
which she thought she had in her former days. But on the 
Friday morning before she died, all her doubts were removed. 
She was raised quite above the fear of death, and longed to 



202 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF 

get away to her house not made with hands, eternal in the 
heavens. On that morning, as she lay ruminating on her 
situation, that text of scripture, John xvi. 33, (" These things I 
have spoken unto you that in meye might have peace," &c.), was 
impressed with power on her mind. This encouraged her to 
hope that God would not leave her in the valley and shadow 
of death, nor suffer her to sink in the swellings of the Jor- 
dan. In a little while afterwards, she obtained such a view 
of the divine glory that she was but just able to support under 
it. It appeared to her that the glory of God filled the room ; 
and the love of God was so shed abroad in her heart, and 
enkindled such a flame of love in her soul, that she longed to be 
absent from the body and present with the Lord. Her tongue 
was remarkably loosed, her heart was full, and she could not 
but speak forth the praises of her Redeemer. She exhorted 
all around her to secure an interest in Christ, and to make 
that the main business of their lives. To her pious friends 
who called to see her, she could not help telling what the 
Lord had done for her soul, as she said, to encourage them to 
trust in the Lord, and cleave unto him through all difficulties ; 
assuring them that the manifestation which he had then made 
of himself to her was more than sufficient to recompense her 
for all the troubles and difficulties which she had ever met with 
in his service. After this she spake but little, but slumbered 
the greater part of her time, except when her pains were more 
than usually severe ; and then she was frequently heard say- 
ing 'Come, Lord Jesus; 0, come quickly, and take me to 
thyself!' Thus died the dear saint with whom I have lived 
forty years, three months, and eighteen days, enjoying as 
much comfort and happiness as usually falls to the lot of sinful 
mortals in the conjugal relation. But I hope in a little time 
to meet her again in the land of glory, where the term of our 
enjoyment shall not be measured by years and montiis and 
days, but shall continue to all eternity. I am now a poor, 
lone creature, and have none to sympathize with me in the 
ills inseparable from old age. My children treat me with all 



• THE EEV. DR. JOHIST M'MILLAN. 203 

the tenderness that I can expect ; but the young are no com- 
pany for the old ; they are entii-ely unacquainted with their 
feelings. The principal comfort which I now have is in preach- 
ing the gospel and attending to a divinity class." In a letter 
to his son, William M'Millan, Esq., he states that she re- 
quested to be buried in a particular spot in the graveyard, 
and gave as a reason that here, after an hour of agony in 
prayer, the Lord had visited her soul with special consolation 
and manifestation of his glory. 

On April 21st, 1830, he sought and obtained a dismission 
from his pastoral charge ; having long before been dismissed 
from Pigeon Creek. Already the formation of Centre church 
had considerably reduced Chartiers. Another organization — 
that of Canonsburg — was about to be formed, which would 
reduce the old mother church still more. Dr. M'Millan was 
opposed to this course, doubted the policy, and resisted it as 
long as he could. He loved the country and country 
churches — and, above all, old Chartiers. It was natui-al; it 
had grown to be a giant, from weak and tottering infancy, 
under his ministry. It w^as the cliild of his affections, of his 
youth, and of his old age. There many a pentecostal season 
had been witnessed and enjoyed. But what could the Pres- 
bytery do ? It seemed all-important that there should be a 
church in Canonsburg : the interests of the place, the claims 
of the aged and the feeble, the spiritual welfare of the col- 
lege, all seemed imperatively to require it. We think they 
did right in granting this new organization. But, so far as 
we know. Dr. M'Millan, when he found it was inevitable, 
yielded — though he first resigned the pastoral charge. There 
was a constitutional buoyancy of spirits, and a Christian spirit 
also, that combined to support him under this trial. 

After he was dismissed from Chartiers, he still continued 
to preach as much as his health and opportunities would allow. 
About this time, a new, and more modern, and much finer 
pulpit was erected at Chartiers. But the Doctor never en- 



204 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF 

tered it — would persist in taking his stand below when he 
preached, or otherwise assisted in public worship. As the old 
pulpit, after its removal, stood awhile by the side or back of 
the house, he was more than once seen leaning against it in 
meditative posture, while a tear might be observed coursing 
its way down his aged cheek. He especially disliked the two 
flights of steps to the new pulpit, and said the Devil went up 
one pair, while the preacher ascended the other.* 

* The Doctor was no patron or friend of the more ambitious improve- 
ments of modern times. When Gen. Morgan removed from Princeton, 
N. J., into the bounds of Chartiers congregation, at an early period, a 
part of his large and fashionable family were conveyed to the church in 
a fine carriage. Such a thing was quite an exciting event amongst 
these plain, rural people. The Doctor was annoyed, perhaps, more by 
the diverted attention of the people, than by the appearance of the car- 
riage itself, and did not omit in the course of his sermon to intimate 
that people might travel on the broad road m fine carriages, as well as 
on horseback, or on foot. He was unfortunate in giving offence to the 
party concerned, and he lost his influence with this highly respectable 
family. 

When the first umbrella made its appearance at Chartiers, it was in 
the hands of a lady, who passed near where the Doctor was standing 
conversing with others. He enquired, "What woman was that with a 
petticoat wrapped round a stick?" It is believed that he was among 
the last who adopted the use of that modern convenience. It may, per- 
haps, be known to few, that this article, which we no longer consider a 
luxury, but an indispensable means of comfort and protection, was, not 
thirty years before, first seen in the streets of London in the hands of 
the celebrated philanthropist-merchant, Jonas Hanway, and excited 
universal surprise and much derision, even from the nobility and gentry 
of England. See Frost's Lives of Eminent Christians, p. 470. 

To show that our notions of luxury and effeminacy are altogether 
conventional. Dr. Miller, of Princeton, told us, in our seminary days, 
of a Highland Chieftain, who, with his son, being overtaken by night 
amongst the bleak mountains of Scotland, sought a place on the south 
side of a hill to bivouack, and prepared it, as well as they could, by re- 
moving the snow from the ground. The father went aside to^hunt a 
stone or a piece of a rock for a pillow; on his return, finding that his 
son had rolled up a snow-ball for this purpose, and had already lain 
down, wrapped in his tartan of plaid, he kicked the snow-ball from 



THE REV. DR. JOHN M'MILLAN. 205 

There are a few other incidents in his history, of minor im- 
portance. But we pass them over ; and before we hasten to 
the closing scenes of his life, we must briefly speak of him as 
an Old School Presbyterian, as a preacher, and as a theologi- 
cal instructor. 

As to the position which Dr. M'Millan held, in view of the 
rising conflict between the Old and New School, nothing can 
be more clearly proved, than that his sympathies were 
thoroughly with the Old School, till the day of his death. It 
may suffice, however, to give one extract from his farewell 
sermon to his Presbytery, and as it proved, in some measure, 
to the whole Presbyterian Church. 

" At the present day," says this departed saiot, " I believe that the 
Church is in greater danger from those who style themselves peace-men, 
than from all the errors that abound in her ; for those generally cast 
their weight into the scale of the errorists, and thereby not only coun- 
tenance and encourage them in their errors, but weaken the hands of 
those who are laboring for the peace and purity of the Church. And it 
is my serious opinion, that our Church will never have peace and purity 
in union, until it is purged, by discipline, of the false doctrines which 
defile it, and the false measures which distract it." 

" Here is our opinion," said Dr. Green, quoting the above 
passage in his December Number of the Advocate, for 1833, 
"expressed with admirable simplicity and perspicuity." Yes, 
Dr. M'Millan was not only thoroughly of the Old School in 
his views of both doctrines and measures, but he disliked and 
dreaded the compromising spirit of many of our ministers in 
high places, in those times. 

As a public speaker, he possessed one qualification in high 
perfection, well suiting him for the earlier part of his career, 

under his head, and exclaimed, "Tut! tut! mon, are ye becoming 
effeminate ?" 

The reader will find some curious and amusing things about the first 
appearance of umbrellas in Philadelphia — when they were scouted in 
the public gazettes, as a ridiculous effeminacy — in Watson's Annals of 
Philadelphia, Vol. I., p. 193. 



206 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF 

when he so often preached in the woods and in the open air. 
He had a voice which, though not mellifluous, was yet power- 
ful, and could sustain any amount of effort short of absolute 
screaming without ever breaking down or causing exhaustion. 
His manner was always solemn and impressive. Though he 
preached from memory, he had the faculty of delivering his 
discourses in so natural a tone of voice, that the hearer would 
suppose it was perfectly extemporaneous. On certain topics, 
he would often use the same language, word for word, that 
had been heard before. This was especially the case with 
some of his exhortations ; and though heard ever so often, 
they always, somehow, seemed fresh to the hearer. We have 
heard many testify to this. But as to his matter, as a 
preacher, here we prefer to give the language of Dr. M. 
Brown, who was intimately acquainted with him, and had 
heard him scores of times for nearly a quarter of a century : 
" The subjects which characterized his sermons were, the 
dreadful evil of sin ; the awful danger of the sinner, exposed 
to the wrath of God ; the character of God as holy and just, 
as well as merciful ; the spirituality, purity, extent, and excel- 
lence of the divine law ; the absolute need of salvation through 
the atoning sacrifice of Christ ; the fulness, sufficiency, and 
freedom of the gospel salvation ; the utter helplessness of the 
sinner ; insufficiency of his own righteousness ; the necessity 
of an entire change of heart, and absolute need of Christ for 
pardon and acceptance. These great points were pressed 
with all his solemnity and force, and pressed upon the sinner's 
conscience, who was urged, by all the solemnities of heaven 
and hell, immediately, and without delay, to make a surrender 
of himself to Christ as a lost and helpless sinner ; that he 
was without excuse in refusing to receive Christ and the of- 
fered salvation ; that his inability to believe, repent, and em- 
brace the Saviour, was a moral inability ; the result of depra- 
vity, a perverse will, a perverted taste; the inability of a 
wicked heart, at enmity with God ; and that this, instead of 
being an excuse, was the essential crime." 



THE REV. DR. JOHN M 'MILL AN. 207 

"It was in the spring of 1831," says Mr. Leake, "that 1 
first made Dr. M'Millan's acquaintance. His general appear- 
ance had at that time, probably, undergone considerable 
change. His manner in the pulpit was, however, as I have 
learned from those who knew him well, much the same that 
it had been in his earlier ministerial life. At that time, his 
countenance wore an aspect that had an approach to stern- 
ness ; and, to a stranger, was rather forbidding. His com- 
plexion was unusually dark. His features were prominent, 
and strongly marked ; and the tout ensemble of his face was 
expressive of the strong and masculine character of the mind 
within. His manner, both out of and in the pulpit, was cha- 
racterized by what might almost be called a studied plainness. 
He held in such contempt all efforts at mere parade and show, 
that he was, perhaps, too little attentive to etiquette ; and 
sometimes, in his intercourse with people of taste and fashion, 
he might have been charged with a seeming approach to rude- 



* William Darby, Esq., writes : " The personal appearance of Mr. 
John M'Millan I need not describe to you, or his demeanor. But the 
salutary influence of his character, spreading far beyond the limits of 
his congregation, I cannot omit. Stern he was, and uncompromising. 
Vice received his rebuke, let the object be what it might. When Mr. 
M'Millan came to this neighborhood, where his future days were spent, 
and his usefulness exerted, few men could be better calculated to suit 
the times, and very few had sufficient hardihood to disregard his re- 
proof. Rough and rude were the manners of that country, at the age 
under review: yet there was, under this repulsive exterior, much sound 
moral principle and manly feeling; and I doubt whether there was in 
the country another man more respected than Dr. M'Millan." 

These rebukes of Dr. M'Millan, of which Mr. Darby speaks, were 
sometimes instrumental in happy results. The Rev. Dr. William Neill, 
when a stout young lad at Jefferson College, took it into his head, as 
he was then altogether thoughtless and irreligious, that he would spend 
a portion of a fast day, on which there were no recitations in college, in 
a ramble through the wood, with his gun. His route brought him 
across the track of Dr. M'Millan, on his way to public worship. 
Enquiring of young Neill what he was doing, and being told that he 



208 A SKETCH OP THE LIFE OF 

"In the pulpit," Mr. Leake continues, "he had ordinarily 
but little action. He made almost no gestures. At times, 
however, the agitation of his whole frame gave evidence of 
the mighty heaviness of a deeply impassioned soul. His 
whole manner was perhaps best adapted to the presentation 
of truths that were terrible and alarming. His rebuke of 
vice and sin was appalling ; and few that listened to him were 
so hardened as not to quail under it. His descriptions of the 
wrath of God and the danger and doom of the impenitent 
were awful. He could, however, melt and move in the sweet 
strains of gospel grace. There was, ordinarily, nothing 
musical in his voice. As it fell on the ear of the stranger, 
it approached to harshness. We do not now hold up Dr. 
M'Millan to the decisions of modern criticism and modern 
taste as the beau ideal or as the model of pulpit eloquence. 
Nor do we mean to institute any general comparison between 
him and Whitefield. Yet Dr. M'Millan was sometimes truly 
eloquent. When absorbed by his subject, he could, uncon- 
sciously to himself, throw into particular words and phrases a 
deep-toned tenderness of pathos that was quite peculiar, that 
has more than once reminded us, at least, of Garrick's remark, 
that he would give a hundred guineas to be able to pronounce 
the interjection ! after Whitefield's manner. Dr. M'Mil- 
lan's mode of sermonizing was, perhaps, rather formal. His 
regular discourses had, almost uniformly, three general divi- 
sions, with a number of subdivisions under each, and closed 
with a practical improvement. They seldom exceeded fifty or 
sixty minutes in delivery. He had a favorite saying, derived, 
perhaps, from his theological instructor, Dr, Smith, which he 

was trying to kill pigeons, he remarked to him, " What a sad thing to 
see a poor sinner on his way to hell, killing the poor, innocent birds!" 
and then passed on. The young man at first was quite indignant, and 
offended at the remark. But he could not forget it. The more he 
thought of it, the more it worked itself into the depths of his conscience. 
His peace of mind forsook him, and he never recovered it, until, as a 
penitent sinner, he found his way to the feet of the Saviour. 



THE REV. DR. JOHN M'MILLAN. 209 

often repeated: "No conversions are effected beyond the 
hour." He did not study ornament in his language. His 
style was simple. He never made truth do homage to rhe- 
torical flourish. His sermons were always sensible and pious, 
full of matter, and perhaps sometimes surcharged with it. He 
excelled as a casuist. He showed great skill in separating 
the precious from the vile, in dislodging the hypocrite from 
his refuges of lies, and directing the enquiring sinner to a ' 
genuine resting-place. He had the best evidence that his 
preaching was of a high order of excellence. It had the sig- 
nature of God's approbation. Three wide-spread and powerful 
revivals, at least, occurred under his ministry. And it is sup- 
posed that hundreds, and even thousands, were, through his 
instrumentality, converted and trained up for heaven. How 
enviable his honorl ! How rich the glories of his crown ! 
" For they that turn many to righteousness shall shine as the 
brightness of the firmament, and as the stars for ever and 
ever." 

As a theological teacher. Dr. Brown informs us that " per- 
haps about one hundred ministers were trained, more or less, 
in his school of the prophets ; many of whom were eminently 
useful. The mode of instruction was by written lectures, con- 
taining a complete system of theology.* The system the 
students transcribed, and were expected to recite literally. 
The system itself was excellent, containing a concise discus- 
sion of all the principal doctrines, with copious notes and 
quotations from scripture. It was concise, condensed, multum 
in parvo, lucid, and forcible." 

" The course pursued by Dr. M'Millan, especially at this 
early period, when books were difficult to be procured, had 
some importaat advantages. The minds of the students were 

* It was rather in the form of written Questions and Answers. The 
work, of which there are many copies extant, would, if published, form 
a stout octavo volume, and might well be called M'Millan's Medulla. 
On the subject of natural and moral ability, its views are much the 
same with those of Dr. Lyman Beecher. 
14 



210 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF 

replenished with an accurate knowledge of all the important 
doctrines, and with a summary of the arguments in their sup- 
port ; a treasury of most important truth, condensed in the 
best manner, and expressed with simplicity, clearness, and 
force ; and, being required to recite verbatim all the scriptural 
quotations, the mind was enriched from the treasury of divine 
truth. A solid foundation was thus laid, containing the great 
elements of the system of truth, which reflecting and intelli- 
gent students would of course enlarge and improve by study 
and reading different authors. It may be questioned whether, 
at any period before or since, there has been a larger propor- 
tion of profound and accurate theologians, and efficient, prac- 
tical, and useful preachers of the gospel, than those trained 
in this theological school. Their voices have been heard in 
every part of the West and South, and not a few called to 
occupy important stations in the East, in cities and in col- 
leges, Avhile others have gone far hence to the Gentiles, and 
been instrumental in imparting divine truth to some of the 
millions who were sitting in darkness and the shadow of 
death." * 

But we must hasten to the closing scenes of his life. 
Though he passed the ordinary boundaries of even old age, 
never, perhaps, was any man more exempt from its infirmities. 
His mental and physical faculties were but little impaired. 
" In April, May, and June of 1832, he took what he sup- 
posed to be his last visit amongst some of the old churches of 
the west — which he had been instrumental in gathering from 
the wilderness, and supplying with pastors. On the last Sab- 
bath of April, and first Sabbath of May, he assisted in dis- 
pensing the Lord's Supper at Cross Creek, and at the Cross 
Roads (Florence,) and preached six Sabbaths in Raccoon con- 
gregation, where he assisted in administering the Lord's 
Supper on the third Sabbath of June. During this jeurney, 

* This last statement is, perhaps, not correct, unless made in reference 
to the school, considered as continued by, and merged into, the Alle- 
gheny Theological Seminary. 



THE REV. DR. JOHN M'MILLAN. 211 

he preached seventeen sermons with more than usual fer- 
vency ; and it has been since found that his labors, during this 
journey, were blessed to the spiritual quickening and edifica- 
tion of God's people, and the awakening of many careless 
sinners, who have since joined themselves to the Lord. During 
the year 1832, he assisted in administering the Lord's Supper 
eleven times, and preached about fifty tjmes ; on occasions 
leaning on his crutch, and in the eightieth year of his age. 
During the year 1833, up to the 16th of November, the time 
of his death, he assisted in administering the Lord's Supper 
seventeen times, and preached on these occasions about 
seventy-five times, frequently twice in the same day, besides 
attending to exhortations, &c. !" Thus was he honored with 
the strength and with the opportunity to labor to the last, 
and die with the harness on. 

He had, in his letter to Dr. Carnahan, a short time before 
he took the excursion above described, stated : " If my life 
and health be continued, I design this spring and summer to 
visit some of the old congregations which I helped to collect, 
and see how they do, and once more blow the gospel trumpet 
among them." His wish was gratified. He was even al- 
lowed to take a second excursion as far as Wheeling, the fol- 
lowing and last summer of his life — spend some time among 
his old acquaintances and friends, and preach as there was 
opportunity. AVe have been kindly favoured by the Rev. Dr. 
Elliott with some particulars respecting this closing excursion 
of the venerable man, that cannot fail to be read with inte- 
rest. " The last meeting of the Synod of Pittsburg which 
the Doctor ever attended was held at Pittsburg. This was 
only a few weeks before his death. He appeared to be then 
in excellent health and spirits, and participated actively in 
the business of the Synod. After its adjournment, he pro- 
ceeded to Wheeling, where he remained some time, and 
preached frequently, and with much acceptance.* On his 

* Dr. Herron informs us that he accompanied Dr. M'Millan on this 
excursion, in a steamboat to Wheeling — that, on their way, they met 



212 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF 

return, he spent a night in "Washington, at the house of an 
old friend, where he had long heen accustomed to lodge. I 
•was then the pastor of the church in that place. I spent part 
of the evening "with him, and engaged him for breakfast the 
next morning. My family, who were unacquainted with the 
Doctor, looked for his arrival with some concern, and antici- 
pated rather a comfortless meeting, from having heard a good 
deal respecting the gruffness of his manners. All, however, 
were most agreeably disappointed. Upon receiving an intro- 
duction to Mrs. E. and the children, he took each of them 
by the hand, saluting them in the most kind and affectionate 
manner. He appeared as gentle as a lamb, and his counte- 
nance beamed with benevolence. He took particular notice 
of the small children, invited their approach, talked fami- 
liarly with them ; and, in a short time, he and they were on 
the very best terms. The patriarchal simplicity of his man- 
ner, and his humble, affectionate, and condescending spirit 
captivated us all ; and although his visit was a short one, it 
left on our minds the most agreeable impressions in his 
favor. 

Having made arrangements to proceed homewards by the 
stage at an early hour in the forenoon, as soon as he had 
breakfasted he bade us an affectionate farewell. I accom- 
panied him to his lodgings, and, at the appointed hour, saw 
him in the coach which conveyed him to Canonsburg. Upon 
his arrival there he was taken violently ill, and in a few days 
breathed his last at the house of Dr. Leatherman, November 
16th, 1833." 

The following account of the closing scenes of his life, given 

■with an orthodox Quaker going to a yearly meeting in Ohio — had much 
conversation with him on the subject of experimental religion — that the 
Doctor was much gratified, and expressed to Dr. Herron his persuasion 
that the Quaker was a pious man — that at Wheeling, Dr. M'Millan 
preached several sermons on the text, " Come unto me, all ye that la- 
bor," &c,, — discourses of great excellence, and all entirely distinct in 
form and matter from each other. 



THE REV. DR. JOHN MCMILLAN. 213 

by the Rev. L. F. Leake, will be read with interest : " He 
had spent much of the preceding summer and autumn in visit- 
ing the churches. During these events, he attended many 
communions and preached frequently, and, as was remarked, 
with unusual unction and power. In October he was at the 
meeting of the Synod held at Pittsburg. He preached twice 
during the session of that body, and seemed to enjoy fine 
health and spirits. After the meeting of Synod, in company 
with several clerical brethren, he went down the river by 
steamboat to Wheeling, Virginia. There he remained twelve 
or fourteen days, and preached almost every day and evening 
during that time. On Tuesday, the 5th of November, he 
reached Canonsburg by stage, on his return from Wheeling. 
Arrived at Canonsburg, he called at the house of a friend. 
Here he remained several hours and took a hearty meal. He 
seemed to be somewhat exhausted by his recent journey and 
labors, but was quite cheerful, and apparently in his ordinary 
health. In the evening he went over to the house which, for 
many years, he had made his lodging-place when in Canons- 
burg. Here he retired to bed, about his usual time. Soon 
after retiring he was taken ill, and suffered much bodily pain 
during the night. Next morning, at early dawn, he went 
down to the house of his physician and friend ; and when he 
first met the physician, with his characteristic simplicity of 
manner, he said to him, " Doctor, I had a messenger sent for 
me last night, and I must go ;" intimating, as was supposed, 
that his present disease would issue in death. Thus, although 
from the first attack he supposed his end was near, and this, 
too, on examination of the case, was the opinion of the phy- 
sician, yet he considered it his duty to employ the means of 
relief. Here he remained, at the house of his physician, in 
Canonsburg, until he died. His death occurred about six 
o'clock on Saturday morning, November 16th, 1833. His 
disease was paralysis of the prostate gland ; induced, as was 
supposed, by too great exertion — -preaching too frequently — ■ 
for his strength. Of this he was himself aware, but he did 



214 A SKETCH or THE LIFE OF 

not regret it. He seemed to regard it as a high privilege to 
fall a martyr in a cause he so much loved. During the whole 
period of his sickness, which lasted ten days, with some short 
intervals of alleviation, his bodily sufferings were extreme, 
yet he uttered no complaint. He did not, on his bed of 
death, enjoy those distinguished manifestations of the divine 
favor which God sometimes, in such circumstances, vouchsafes 
to his faithful ministers ; yet he was vastly sustained by the 
consolations and hopes of the gospel. In full view of his 
approaching death, and in the full view and vigorous exercise 
of his reasoning powers, he was not afraid to die. He knew 
in whom he had believed, and his mind was calm ; his confi- 
dence in the Redeemer was unshaken, and his end was peace. 
The day subsequent to his death, which was Sabbath, his 
body was conveyed to the Chartiers Church, attended by a 
large concourse of people. Several ministers who were pre- 
sent took part in the religious exercises of the occasion. His 
remains were interred in the burying-ground adjoining. Here 
a marble slab, inscribed to his memory, covers the grave. 
This and all that is earthly will perish ; but the records of 
eternity will save from oblivion the usefulness and worth of 
Buch a man as Dr. M'Millan." 

Thus passed away from earth the last of the pioneers of the 
Western Presbyterian Church. "When, fifty-two years before, 
the first Presbytery west of the Allegheny Mountains was or- 
ganized, there were but four members. A few weeks before 
his death, he met the Synod of Pittsburg, embracing, at that 
time, eight Presbyteries, and more than 130 clerical mem- 
bers ; covering the original field of the Presbytery of Red- 
stone, together with an extensive region beyond the Allegheny 
and Ohio Rivers, that, in the days of the old Redstone Pres- 
bytery, was the home and the hunting-ground of the red 
man. In the lifetime of this man what had the Lord wrought ! 
Could his vision have embraced the entire West on the day 
of his death, he might have seen numerous other Presbyteries 
and Synods raising their banners far and wide over the plains 



THE REV. DR. JOHN M'MILLAN. 215 

and rivers of the mighty valley of the Mississippi. And in 
the course of his pilgrimage he had witnessed the rise and 
progress of five new western states — Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, 
Missouri, and Michigan — containing, when he died, 1,610,473 
inhabitants where scarce a single white man of the Anglo- 
Saxon race dwelt when he entered the West ! The event of 
the first child of a white man born in Ohio did not occur till 
twenty years after Dr. M'Millan penetrated the frontier set- 
tlements. When he died, Ohio contained 937,903 inhabit- 
ants, by the census of 1830. Well might he exclaim, " Now 
lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have 
seen thy salvation." 

We cannot better close this extended paper than in the 
words of him to whom we are indebted for the earlier part 
of this sketch : 

" In short, when we regard Dr. M'Millan's whole charac- 
ter, and the wide field of effort and usefulness, in all the im- 
portant aspects of its condition, to which he was introduced ; 
especially when, from the point of observation which we 
occupy, we contemplate the actual results of his labors and 
influence, a part only of which can be told or known this side 
of heaven, we have special cause to recognize the wisdom and 
kindness of God in furnishing an instrument so well adapted 
to the work." 

Dr. M'Millan was the father of several children : three 
sons, William, John, and Samuel ; and four daughters, Jane, 
Margaret, Mary, and Catharine. These all outlived their 
mother ; and all except Samuel, the youngest, survived their 
father. William, the eldest son, lately deceased in Mercer 
County, Pennsylvania. John, the second son, is now on the 
homestead farm. Samuel died March 9th, 1826. Jane, the 
eldest daughter, married, first, the Rev. Mr. Moorehead, and 
then Mr. Harper. Margaret was first the wife of the Rev. 
Mr. Watson, then of Mr. Neil. Mary, wife of Mr. Weaver, 
died April 28th, 1839. Catharine, the widow of the Rev. 
Moses Allen, is now residing in Ohio. 



CHAPTER VI. 

THE RURAL STATE OF PRESBYTERIANISM SEVENTY TEARS AGO. 

A REMARKABLE feature in the early Presbyterianism of the 
West was, during the whole period of the Old Redstone Pres- 
bytery, its exclusively rural character. When the Presby- 
tery was organized, and for some years after, there were 
really no towns west of the Allegheny mountains — if we 
except a little hamlet outside of Fort Pitt, and a small cluster 
of cabins at Hanna's-town, in Westmoreland, the seat of jus- 
tice for the entire west. It is true, under Virginia authority, 
there were two seats of justice located south of the Mononga- 
hela, and one north of that river, but there were no towns 
there. One of these Virginia Court-houses stood a few miles 
west of the present town of Washington. Washington itself 
did not then exist ; but a miserable hamlet, consisting of a 
few cabins, called Catfish, after the Indian chief of that name 
who once dwelt there. Pittsburg was not fully laid out till 
three years after the first meeting of the Redstone Presby- 
tery. It is true a very small portion of it, including a square 
or two, had been partially arranged for a town in 1765. But 
during the entire period through which the pilgrimage of this 
old Presbytery extended, it was a small insignificant place — 
for some years occasionally visited and supplied by our first 
ministers. 

In 1786, " a church of squared timber and moderate di- 
mensions was on the way to be built."* This church actually 
stood within the ground covered by the first Presbyterian 
church, and was suJGfered to stand until the brick building was 

* History of Pittsburg, p. 203. 

216 



NO TOWNS AT FIRST SETTLEMENT. 217 

reared around it. This brick building, afterwards much en- 
larged, was demolished in 1853, and a splendid edifice is now 
rising on its ruins. The old Presbytery settled the Rev. 
Samuel Barr there as its pastor, but he remained but a short 
time. With this single exception, all our ministers and their 
people were in the country, residing far from the thronged 
habitations of man ; and though, in process of time, the coun- 
ties of Washington, Fayette, and Greene were organized, there 
were no churches nor ministers at the county towns — none 
at Greensburg, the seat of the mother county of Westmore- 
land, which was laid out not long after the burning of Han- 
na's-town. 

The ground now occupied by Allegheny City was owned by 
the savages, and was considered then, and for many years 
after, as in the Indian country. Not a village then existed 
from Pittsburg to Brownsville, along the entire course of the 
Monongahela. There was not a town on the Ohio from its 
head to Wheeling, unless, perhaps, a hamlet at Beaver might 
claim that name. Our ministers and their people were all 
withdrawn from the busy haunts of men ; and they had even 
scarcely any intercourse, except when, during the earlier part 
of the period referred to, they sought such places east of the 
mountains for salt and iron. In some cases, it is true, they 
were crowded together for a few weeks in forts, for their 
mutual defence and safety against the Indians — going out in 
parties during the day to attend to their crops or clearings, 
and taking their guns with them. With these exceptions, 
their most usual place of meeting, in any considerable num- 
bers, was the meeting-house, or tent, on the Sabbath day. 
Yet it is true that, in smaller portions, they were often toge- 
ther — at house-raisings, at huskings, at harvests, at flax- 
dressings, at wood-choppings, and at musters. They were 
eminently a social people, and necessity and mutual conve- 
nience drew them much together. But they had no fondness 
for towns ; a life, in such places, would have been intolerable 
to them. 



218 HOW THE PEOPLE GOT TOGETHER. 

Now in this state of society, so eminently rural, was the 
Presbytery organized. Our first seven ministers Avere all 
Ohorepiseopi. We had no metropolitans there. Their labors 
were all in the country. The first ordained minister who 
settled west of the mountains, the Rev. James Power, had, 
for a number of years, a charge not less than thirty miles in 
length, and many miles in breadth. "Yet he was in the 
habit," says Dr. Carnahan, "of visiting every family under 
his charge, accompanied by one or more of his elders." The 
charges of his other six fellow-laborers were nearly as exten- 
sive : perhaps one or two of them even greater. Yet they all 
displayed the same diligence in visiting their people. 

In process of time, as country towns and other villages 
sprang up, they carried the gospel from the country to town. 
There is here a very marked contrast between this order of 
things, and that which characterised the progress of the gos- 
pel in the early ages of Christianity. The country people in 
Western Pennsylvania were the Christians — the towns-people 
the pagans ; not, indeed, in its grosser sense, but in respect 
to their early destitution of the stated means of grace and 
the ordinances of God's house, and in respect to their general 
rudeness and profanity. "Not a priest of any persuasion, 
nor church nor chapel," said Arthur Lee, of Pittsburg, in 
1785. And he might have said the same of every village 
and town west of the mountains ; but had he crossed the 
Monongahela, and penetrated into the country, he would have 
found large and devout congregations at Montour's Run and 
Raccoon — turning to the right, and still bearing westward, 
he would have found King's Creek (now Florence,) without a 
pastor, indeed, but regularly supplied and highly prosperous 
— turning to the left in his onward course, he would have 
been astonished at the large assemblies at Cross Creek and 
Buffalo — wheeling further to the left, he would haA-ie soon 
been at Chartiers, and then Pidgeon Creek — large and flour- 
ishing churches. The state of the country was then, indeed, 
very singular. Had a traveller, during almost the whole 



THE GOSPEL PASSED EROM COUNTRY TO TOWN. 219 

latter period of the Old Redstone Presbytery, confined his 
visits and his observations to towns and villages, he might 
have inferred that he had got into a heathenish land — " in 
partibus infidelium." Had some one, on the other hand, car- 
ried him round the country churches — especially in 1787, 
when in several of them there was a revival of religion — he 
would have thought that he had got into an earthly Canaan ! 
Now what a singular feature of our early Presbyterian history 
was this ! 

In the third and fourth centuries, Christianity had taken 
possession of the cities and towns — heathenism and idolatry 
lingered in the country and retired hamlets. Indeed, when 
the gospel commenced its victorious march through the gates 
of Jerusalem, after the days of Pentecost — the Apostles and 
evangelists went, everywhere, first to the crowded and popu- 
lous dwellings of men — to Ephesus, and Athens, and Rome, 
and to the other cities and chief towns of the Roman provinces. 
And this peculiar feature in the early history of Christianity, 
furnishes convincing evidence of its divine origin. Errors, 
heresies, and wild delusions of every sort, usually begin in 
retired and unfrequented parts of a country, shunning in 
their earlier development, publicity and searching investiga- 
tion. But the gospel, "beginning at Jerusalem" and boldly 
marching into the seats of learning, science, philosophy, and 
human power, at once and everywhere challenged the most 
unsparing scrutiny into its claims of a Heaven-sealed testi- 
mony. It was not till the second and third century that the 
gospel, to any considerable degree, penetrated the country 
and the rural hamlets. The country bishops or pastors were 
a class of ministers that had at first no existence. " But as 
the bishop in the city could not extend his labors and inspec- 
tion to all the churches in the country and villages, he 
appointed deputies to govern and instruct the new societies." 
(Mosheim's Eccl. Hist., B. 1, Par til.. Chap. 2.) The learned 
Gibbon tells us, (Note, near the end of Chapter 21st of his 
"Decline and Fall," &c.) that, "pagan and rural became 



220 CONTRAST WITH THE FIRST CENTURY. 

almost synonymous, and the meaner rustics acquired that 
name which has been corrupted into peasants, in the modern 
languages of Europe." " And then when Christianity gradu- 
ally filled the cities of the empire, the old religion in the 
time of Prudentius and Orosius, retired and languished in 
obscure villages : and the word pagans with its new significa- 
tion" was thus applied. Here the case was widely difierent. 
The people, at first, were all in the country. And they were, 
to some extent, already a Christian people. This peculiar 
social condition did not, it is true, originate in the West ; it 
was brought out from Eastern Pennsylvania — from Scotland, 
and from the North of Ireland. A free, quiet, industrious, 
rural population, in a high degree moral and religious — 
dwelling apart on their own farms, is a condition of society 
that never has existed but under the influence of enlightened 
Protestant Christianity. 

The serf system of feudal times was a system of involun- 
tary servitude. And so under all the ancient systems of 
government. Not even the Jews, in the most flourishing 
period of their theocratic commonwealth, knew anything of 
homestead farms and separate dwellings, scattered over hill 
and dale. They dwelt in towns and villages. And so now, 
in almost all popish countries ; and so in all Mohamedan and 
pagan lands. But the grand peculiarity of Western Penn- 
sylvania, never before in the history of the world illustrated 
by any similar example, was the existence of a highly moral, 
industrious, free, Christian yeomanry, without any towns 
whatever. Such was the character of the first garden of the 
mighty West. Thus in a sense which the poet did not dream 
of, " God made the country, and man made the town." And 
our towns and cities as they afterwards grew up, first obtained 
their supplies of gospel ordinances from the country. Our 
country bishops visited them, preached to them, baptised iheir 
children, and administered the Lord's supper to them — 
ordained their elders and watched over them with parental 
care. The people of many of our now most flourishing towns, 



THE LESSONS TAUGHT BY THIS ACCOUNT. 221 

once belonged to country churclies. For instance, those of 
Brownsville, to Dunlap creek ; of Florence, to King's creek ; 
of M'Keesport and Elizabeth, to Roundhill ; of West Newton, 
to Sewickly; of Washington, to Chartiers and Buffalo; of 
Canonsburg, to Chartiers ; of Uniontown, to the Tent church ; 
of Connelsville to Tyrone and Laurel Hill — and so on, through- 
out the entire bounds of the Old Redstone Presbytery. It is 
worthy of notice how often Pittsburg, Washington, and 
Wheeling are suppliants at the door of the Redstone Pres- 
bytery, begging, by their commissioners, for supplies. 
Where our town and city churches have now grown large, 
independent and wealthy, let them not be high-minded, but 
fear, remembering " the rock whence they were hewn, and the 
hole of the pit whence they were digged." Let them not, 
like Jeshuron of old, " wax fat and kick," when some poor 
country church asks them, sometimes, for a pittance to help 
them along. 

There is danger, on the other hand, of country churches 
and their pastors too, either wholly neglecting or taking but 
little interest in the spiritual wants of flourishing villages 
that spring up in their bounds. The reminiscences of old 
times, and strong attachment to old country churches, with 
their graveyards — the rural habits of many of our people ; 
their aversion, at first, to go into towns to attend upon public 
worship, often occasion a reluctance to favor the erection 
of places of worship, or the organization of either parasitic 
or independent churches in villages. Other bodies more wise 
and politic, go in and build up churches and houses of wor- 
ship in the heart of such towns. Sometimes, even when the 
point has been yielded, houses for worship are built out in the 
suburbs, at inconvenient distances to the townspeople ; espe- 
cially to females, in bad weather. Even our old ministers, 
from their long habits and prejudices in favor of the country, 
have been known to oppose strenuously the organization of 
churches in adjoining villages. It is worse than useless, it is 
wicked now to contend — because our church was once rural, 



222 RELIGIOUS CONVEKSATION. 

that now in a widely different state of the country we must 
keep it so. Let town and country now act as did Abraham 
and Lot. — But we are not yet quite done with this topic. 

There was one feature in the religious character of those 
early times, connected with the rural state and habits of our 
people, too important to be passed without notice. As they 
were strict observers of the Sabbath, they generally avoided 
all worldly conversation on that day. As they were much 
thrown together on their way to and from their places of wor- 
ship, and whilst there, before the commencement of public 
worship, and during intermissions, they were led to converse 
much together, on various religious topics. But as they had 
no religious newspapers, or magazines, they were not, as 
now, supphed with topics from these sources. Doctrinal sub- 
jects, and those relating to experimental religion, and to the 
various exercises and trials of gracious souls — the sermon 
which they had heard — passages of Scripture which had been 
cited in the discourses, &c., offered a wide field, and never 
left them at a loss for matters of edifying discourse. Their 
" speech was always with grace, seasoned with salt." They 
looked upon such conversation as not only most opportune to 
the Sabbath-day, but as a means of grace — an ordinance of 
God. As they were a God-fearing people, " they spake often 
one to another." They were generally careful to improve all 
seasonable opportunities for such conversation, in company 
with children and young people. They appeared to think the 
divine injunction given to God's chosen people, under the old 
dispensation, still binding. " Thou shalt teach them diligently 
unto thy children, and shall talk with them when thou sittest 
in their house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when 
thou liest down, and when thou risest up." Many of them 
could heartily respond to the language of the Psalmist, " My 
goodness extendeth not to thee, but to the saints that, are in 
the earth, and the excellent, in whom is all my delight." "I 
am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that 
keep thy precepts." 



ITS PREVALENCE IN EARLY TIMES. 223 

Like the disciples on their way to Emaus, " they talked 
together of all these things which had happened." Noi: could 
they be persuaded that religious conversation was a mere 
abrogated Jewish ordinance and custom. They read, in their 
New Testaments, the solemn injunctions, " comfort yourselves 
together, and edify one another even as also ye do." " Warn 
them that are unruly, comfort the feeble-minded, support the 
weak," &c. "Exhort one another daily, while it is called to- 
day, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of 
sin." "Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and 
to good works — not forsaking the assembling of yourselves 
together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another." 
They found that these and similar passages prescribed a gene- 
ral duty, and an important work — not merely to ministers and 
ruling elders, but to the whole household of faith. Yet they 
were not in the practice of holding class-meetings, or of tell- 
ing indiscriminately, in promiscuous companies, their own re- 
ligious exercises. Few of them, indeed, said much about their 
own feelings, or the dealings of God with their souls — except 
to those with whom they were on terms of peculiar intimacy. 
Yet we venture to say, never were there a Christian people 
more accustomed to religious conversation, especially on the 
Sabbath, than were early Western Presbyterians. And it is 
surprising what delight they took in it, and what expertness 
and skill many of them acquired.* Many persons of other- 
wise very humble positions in secular life, were pre-eminent 
for their usefulness in this service. In most of the churches, 
there were several persons whose society was much coveted 
on this account. The young people were often greatly in- 
structed and benefited, in this way. Their communion sea- 
sons afforded many opportunities for such pious conversations. 
Where considerable numbers would lodge, for the night, at 

* Bishop Burnet, had he lived in those days, and mingled with some 
of our pious first settlers, would have been as much astonished at their 
religious knowledge, and edifying prayers, as he tells us he was, when 
he was among the peasantry of Scotland. See " His Own Times." 



224 RELIGIOUS CONVERSATION. 

neighboring houses, they would be found in different groups, 
or all together, employed in this manner — generally closing 
with singing and prayer. 

No one can understand the spirit of those times, who leaves 
out of view this very interesting and marked peculiarity of 
their social religious habits. Now the fact that our people, 
in those days, lived in the country, and were, on that account, 
brought together in the manner we have described, was inti- 
mately connected with this important feature. How greatly 
we have degenerated, in this respect ! May it not be ques- 
tioned whether our religious periodicals have really contributed 
much to keep up this ordinance of God ? They have meant 
otherwise, doubtless. But from the secular character of large 
portions of them, it is doubtful whether their reading, in most 
of our families, does not rather increase the worldly tone of 
conversation in our day. 

The above features of early Presbyterianism accounts for 
that character of our Western Zion which entitled her to the 
following testimony, at a later period : 

"Pittsburg Synod," said Dr. Alexander, in 1833, "is the 
purest and soundest limb of the Presbyterian body. "When 
we fall to pieces in this quarter, and in the far West, that 
Synod will be like a marble column which remains undis- 
turbed in the ruins of a mighty temple. I do not know but 
that more of us will be obliged to seek an ultimate refuge in 
that region, from the overflowing of new divinity and new 
measures." — Extract of a Letter to the Rev. Dr. Weed, in 
the Life of Dr. Alexander, p. 477. 

This passage might have found an appropriate place in a 
part of our Introduction — ^but it is not out of place as a pen- 
dant to this chapter. How much does Dr. Alexander's lan- 
guage, in those dark days of our Church, resemble the lan- 
guage of General Washington — already quoted in a -note — 
in the dark days of our American Revolution ! 



A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH 



EEY. JAMES POWEE, D.D 



The National Road, from Cumberland to Brownsville, tra- 
verses the celebrated old road called "Braddock's Trail." 
This "was the first road ever opened across the mountains to 
the West, in 1755. As it descends the Laurel Hill, it pre- 
sents, at various openings, by far the most sublime and glo- 
rious view of that vast valley which stretches onward and 
spreads out right and left, bounded to the vision only by the 
far distant horizon, touching the seemingly uprising earth. 
But the traveller is aware that, vast as the range of his vision 
is, he sees but a speck of the panorama. To one who has 
spent all his previous life on the " Atlantic Slope," the im- 
pressions must be new and almost overpowering ; such as 
James Ross felt when he came suddenly upon a view of one 
of our western lakes, with its boundless waste of waters, and 
exclaimed " Oh, Eternity !" In such a position stood an emi- 
grant, on the summit of the Laurel Hill, early in November, 
1776. But he was not alone. Almost all that he held dear 
on earth were by his side : his wife and four little daughters. 
They were mounted on horses ; his wife on one, he on ano- 
ther; his oldest daughter behind him, his youngest, almost a 
babe, seated on a pillow before him ; the two other children 
comfortably and cozily sitting in a sort of hamper baskets, 
one on each side of a led horse. He was now about to enter 
15 (225) 



226 A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF 

the western world with his helpless family, and to make it his 
future home. Did that sight, when November had clothed 
the western forests, not with "the sere and yellow leaf," such 
phrase as English writers are fond of using in describing 
their autumn ; but with all the rich and varied tints of the 
rainbow, such as are peculiar to the American woods in the 
fall of the year — did that sight deeply affect with joy and 
hope, or with despondency and fear, those young parents ? 
What was their purpose ? What could justify their removal 
from all the comforts of their eastern home, and their perilous 
adventure to seek a home in western wilds ? The world smiles 
with approbation upon those who, in pursuit of wealth or 
renown, encounter the risk of losing health, and happiness, 
and life itself. Will it justify this man in his bold advance, 
with his wife and little daughters, upon all the perils of the 
wilderness? When they are told that all this wearisome 
journey, and this daring encounter of the trials and sorrows 
of frontier life, were simply that he might preach the ever- 
lasting gospel, and aid in laying the foundations of our western 
Zion, the world laughs with scorn. But Heaven smiled that 
day upon this emigrant family, and gave his guardian angels 
charge concerning them, and watched over them with sleep- 
less care ; through many a long future year, crowned their 
world-despised mission to the West with complete success, 
and, late in life, called them home to their final rest. Those 
four little daughters are believed, long since, to have joined 
their parents in heaven. The two little girls sitting so snugly 
in the wicker-baskets afterwards became ministers' wives, and 
bore their full share in the duties and toils of that responsible 
station, and then finished their course with joy and died in 
the faith. Three other daughters, that were born afterwards, 
have also gone to their rest, and another — for there were 
eight in all — still lingers, at a very advanced age, in Summit 
County, Ohio. But who was this man ? It was the Rev. 
James Power, D.D. ; the first ordained minister that ever 
settled, with his family, in Western Pennsylvania. 



THE REV. JAMES POWER. * 227 

He was born in 1746, in Chester County, Pennsylvania. 
It was in Nottingham, the most western part of that county. 
His parents were pious people. His father was a substantial 
farmer, and had emigrated, early in life, fron the north of 
Ireland, and settled here amongst his countrymen, who com- 
posed the majority of the neighborhood. It is believed that 
he obtained his preparation for college at the Fag's Manor 
School, then in the hands of the Rev. John Blair, an emi- 
nent scholar, and one of the most distinguished and successful 
ministers of his day. At quite an early age, he went to the 
College of Nassau Hall, at Princeton, New Jersey, where he 
graduated in the fall of 1766. The president of that insti- 
tution, the Rev. Samuel Finley, D.D., had died a few months 
before, in Philadelphia, July 16th, 1766. Dr. Finley had 
gone down to the city in quest of medical advice. But he 
never returned, grew much worse in health, and, after a few 
weeks, during which he bore a noble testimony to the con- 
soling power of religion and the riches of divine grace, he 
died a most triumphant death. A large part of the Senior 
class, among whom was Mr. Power, went in a body from 
Princeton to Philadelphia to visit their beloved dying presi- 
dent. Dr. Mason gives no special account of that interview ; 
but we had the statement from Dr. Powers himself.* It pro- 
bably made an indelible impression on young Powers' mind, 
and helped to make him a western missionary. He was 
licensed by the Presbytery of Newcastle, June 24th, 1772, 
at Mill Creek. 

His health, which never became very robust, was at this 
time feeble, and had somewhat retarded his progress in his 
studies preparatory to licensure. On the 23d of December, 
ensuing, his Presbytery gave him leave " to take a journey 
into some parts of Virginia." Though there is no record on 
the minutes about it, he manifestly took this journey ; for in 
August following, he received a call from the united congre- 

* He was one of the eight students who bore the corpse to the grave. 



228 A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF 

gations of Highbridge, Cambridge and Oxford, in Bottetourt 
County, Virginia. Why he declined this call, there is nothing 
left among his papers to show; and even whether he ever 
again visited that region, we cannot tell. He might, as Dr. 
M'Millan did, in a similar case, have passed first up the 
Valley of Virginia, and after laboring there for a short 
season, have bent bis way across the mountains to Western 
Pennsylvania. For in the following summer, 1774, he was 
out west of the mountains, and spent three months in mis- 
sionary labors, through all the settlements of what are now 
Washington, Allegheny, Westmoreland, and Fayette counties. 
This fact, the Rev. T. Hunt, his son-in-law, says he had 
repeatedly from Dr. Power himself, while his memory was 
perfectly sound and unimpaired. John C. Plummer, Esq., 
of Westmoreland County, also affirms that he frequently 
beard his father, and other aged persons, speaking of Dr. 
Power having been in that region before he came with his 
family, and having preached at the place where the first 
Sewickly church was erected"* — where the Associate Re- 
formed churcb now stands. 

After the expiration of this tour through Western Penn- 
sylvania, he returned to the east, and preached as a stated 
supply for nearly two years, to a congregation in which the 
Rev. Dr. Magraw afterwards labored, probably West Notting- 
ham, and at another place within the borders of Maryland. 
In the spring of 1776, he seems to have made up his mind 
to remove to the West. For on the 23d of May, the Pres- 
bytery of Newcastle asked and obtained leave of the Synod 
of New York and Philadelphia, to ordain him ^^ sine titulo," 
assigning to the Synod as the reason that " he was about to 
remove to the Western parts of this province." He was 
accordingly ordained at their next meeting, at Octorara on 
the 2d Tuesday of the following August. It was but a few 
months after this, that he removed to Western Pennsylvania 
with his family. 

* Appendix to Life of Macurdy. 



THE REV. JAMES PO"\VER. 229 

Dr. M'Millan, in his letter to Dr. Carnahan, written in 
1832, states that Dr. Power settled at Mount Pleasant in 1781. 
This statement has given rise to the supposition that this was 
the period of his removal to the West. It may be that Dr. 
M'Millan refers merely to the period of his taking the regular 
pastoral charge of that congregation. But he labored there 
and at Unity, as well as at Laurel Hill; at Dunlap's 
Creek, Tyrone, and Sewickly, some years before. He was 
indeed, a sort of missionary pastor, for some years. But that 
he actually came out with his family in the fall of 1776, is 
ascertainted with absolute certainty in two ways. In the 
obituary notice of his daughter Rebecca, who was first the 
wife of the Rev. D. Smith, and afterwards of the Rev. T. 
Hunt, and who died in 1839, it is stated that she was born 
December 12th, 1776, about a month after her father had 
arrived with his family in the bounds of Dunlap's Creek con- 
gregation, and was the first child born in the family of a Pres- 
byterian minister west of the Allegheny mountains. This 
statement is given in the obituary of Mrs. Hunt, written by 
Mr. Hunt, who was accurately informed as to the facts. In 
the second place, Rebecca, this first child born west of the 
mountains in a minister's family, was married in 1795 — and 
was then as she always afterwards said, in her twentieth year. 
This brings us again precisely to the same period, 1776. Mr. 
Power, beyond all question then, was out in the west, with his 
family, either the last of October, or early in November of 
that year. Another tradition of that period is preserved. 
When Dr. M'Millan two years after, in 1778, was on his way 
with his family to Chartiers, he lodged a night with Mr. 
Power. And we may well suppose it was an interesting even- 
ing to their two families. " From the time of his arrival in 
the West, in the fall of 1776, until the spring of 1779, Dr. 
Power, according to the statements of some of his family 
conections, devoted his time to the work of supplying the 
destitute churches generally — although he lived at Dunlap's 
Creek, and regarded that as the principal point of his labors ; 



230 A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF 

and it was not until the spring of 1779, that he became the 
regular pastor of Sewickly and Mount Pleasant congrega- 
tions." * 

A different opinion has prevailed with some, who have re- 
ceived the impression that he, almost immediately after his 
arrival from the East, began his pastoral labors at these 
places. This has arisen, we suppose, from the fact that he 
did, to some extent, begin his labors there, preaching, visiting, 
and catechising the children. But there is ample proof that, 
for some years, the range of his labors was much more ex- 
tended ; including Dunlap's Creek, Laurel Hill, Tyrone, and 
Unity. He was even more than once on a visit to the settle- 
ments in Washington County ; for he baptized, during this 
period, Mr. Marquis's child, in Cross Creek, when he was 
there on his first visit. It is stated in the brief memoir of 
that excellent man, in the Appendix to the " Life of Ma- 
curdy," p. 287 : " During this period, 1778, they were fa- 
vored by a visit from the Rev. Dr. Power, who preached to 
them at Vance's Fort ; on which occasion, Mr. and Mrs. Mar- 
quis presented their first child to God in baptism. This was 
the first sermon preached, and the first child baptized, in that 
region of country. The next year a church was organised, of 
which this pious couple became members." 

It is also remarkable that when, some time afterwards, Mr. 
Smith visited them, and the meeting took place for an elec- 
tion of a pastor, Mr. Power had several votes — we suppose, 
without his leave or knowledge. These two men, rivals then, 
were to become closely allied in their future labors, and in 
the marriage of their children. But Mr. Smith did not live 
to witness the latter event. He (Mr. P.) probably organised 
Sewickly congregation very soon after his arrival in the 
neighborhood. Of the united congregations of Mountpleasant 
and Sewickly, he continued the pastor until August^ 22d, 
1787, when he gave up Sewickly, confining himself thence- 

* Appendix to Life of Macurdy. 



THE REV. JAMES POWER. 231 

forward altogether to Mount Pleasant. That congregation 
engaged to pay him yearly ,£120, as his salary. This rela- 
tion extended on till April 15th, 1817; when, at his request, 
on account of advanced age and infirmity, it was dissolved. 
He lived on, however, among them, greatly venerated and 
beloved, thirteen years longer ; strengthening the hands of 
his successor, the Rev. Dr. A. 0. Patterson, and co-operating 
with him as far as his strength allowed. Never, perhaps, did 
a young pastor feel more entirely satisfied with the constant 
presence of his predecessor, and with his friendly counsel and 
support, than did Dr. P. If all old ministers could behave 
themselves as well as did Dr. Power in this respect, such pas- 
toral charges or vacancies, instead of becoming objects of 
serious apprehension, and sometimes of absolute aversion, 
would be invested with an increased attraction. He died 
August 5th, 1830, in the 85th year of his age. 

The following extract of a letter from Col. James Smith, 
dated Jacobs' Creek, September 8th, 1785, addressed to his 
sister in Franklin County, bears very favorable testimony to 
the ministerial character of Dr. Power, and shows the pro- 
gress which the gospel had made in that part of the country, 
at the time in which it was written. Col. Smith was a man 
of vigorous intellect and decided piety, who had doubtless 
been profited by Mr. Power's ministry. He says : " We,have 
half of Mr. Power's labors here. I think that he is a faithful 
and able minister of the gospel, especially for reclaiming 
backsliders, and for encouraging believers to continue stead- 
fast in the Christian road. I have reason to bless God that 
he has ever been sent among us. I have had some happy 
days since I wrote you last. We had the sacrament of the 
Lord's Supper administered to us last Sabbath. We have a 
considerable number of apparently pious ministers in the 
western part of the world, where we heard lately nothing but 
the yells of savages and wolves, &c. ; but now we have the 
word of God, with peace and plenty; and the ordinances of 
God's house duly administered. And I not only enjoy the 



232 A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP 

external means of grace, but I have likewise an ear to hear 
the voice of the eternal Son of God, — so that I may justly 
say, the lines are fallen to me in pleasant places, I have a 
goodly heritage." * 

Dr. Elliott closes his account of Dr. Power in these words : 
" Dr. Power appears to have been an excellent man, and a 
useful minister, of a remarkably mild disposition, and uniform 
deportment. He was a graceful speaker, and a polished gen- 
tleman — neat and exact in his dress and habits, and courteous 
in his manners. He had a remarkable faculty for retaining 
the knowledge of names and faces. The Trustees of Jeffer- 
son College testified their respect for him by conferring on 
him the Degree of Doctor of Divinity, in 1808. Besides the 
daughter already mentioned, he had two other daughters 
married to ministers — one to the Rev. William Swan, and 
the other to the Rev. Thomas Moore." 

One who, from his boyhood, knew him well, and who was 
probably baptized by him, tells us, " He was of remarkably 
easy manners, and graceful in and out of the pulpit — at all 
times maintaining the high dignity of a minister of the gospel 
of Christ. He had no enemies. When he came to my father's 
house, he always spoke to the boys and girls, shook hands, 
and named them. When seated, he was apt to look at each 
individually, as if to identify them afterwards. He had a 
sweet voice, spoke with great ease, emphasizing very distinctly 
every sentence. He always appeared in his element when 
lecturing on a Psalm. He was plain and very neat in his 
dress." t 

Dr. Carnahan says of him, " He was a polished, gentle- 
manly man — remarkably neat in his dress — a very correct 
and graceful speaker. His power of remembering names, and 
of recognising persons, was very remarkable. For several 
years he preached at three places. Mount Pleasant, Tyrone, 
and Sewickly. From one extremity of his parishes to the 

* Appendix to Life of Macurdy. ' f John Plummer, Esq. 



THE KEY. JAMES POWER, 233 

other was at least 30 miles. Yet he was in the habit of visit- 
ing every family under his charge, accompanied by one or 
more of his elders. And after he visited the families in a 
neighborhood, he called them together, and had an examina- 
tion on the doctrines of the gospel — the heads of families, 
the young people, and the children, in separate divisions. I 
have heard of men and women, 60 years of age, saying the 
Assembly's Catechism, giving the proofs from the Bible, and 
the explanations of Fisher. His habit was, when he visited a 
family, to ask the names of the children, in the order of their 
ages, and also of domestics ; and at future visits he was sure 
to recognise each member of the family, and to call each by 
name. Yet this man could not, some years before his death, 
recognise his own children, after a short absence, or distin- 
guish one from another." 

This last fact is remarkable ; but, like Bishop Beveridge, 
he never forgot the Lord Jesus Christ. He died in great 
peace, at a patriarchal age. 

Such was the man who renounced all the comforts of more 
refined society, and all the prospects of this world's emolu- 
ments and enjoyments, and became the first settled minister 
in the bounds of the Old Redstone Presbytery. He had 
buried his wife some years before his own death. She was a 
woman admirably adapted to her station — an excellent mana- 
ger, taking off Mr. Power's hands much of the cares and dis- 
tractions of his domestic affairs, and giving him time to devote 
himself to his Master's work.* They lived long and happily 

* It is not very easy to form a just estimate of the cares and trials of 
this early pioneer. In a very few years after his settlement in the 
West, he had a family of eight daughters to provide for, and train up 
in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. But he and his brethren, 
Smith and M'Millan, -were blessed with wives that were truly " gifts of 
the Lord." They were eminent not only for their piety and energy of 
character, but for their economical and judicious management of their 
households. " They did their husbands good, and not evil, all the days 
of their lives. They sought wool and flax, and wrought willingly with 
their hands. Their husbands were known in the gates, when they sat 



234 A BIOGRAPHICAL SKEXdfa OF 

together, and raised a lovely family of daughters, every one 
of whom married well, and, with one exception, raised fami- 
lies, now widely scattered over the "West. May they all be 
gathered, at last, into the family above ! 

Since the foregoing was written, we have met with the fol- 
lowing sketch, believed to be from the pen of Dr. Carnahan, 
published, not long since, in the Presbyterian Banner : 

In his person Mr. Power was slender and erect, of a me- 
dium height, and at no period of life became corpulent. In 
his dress he was always plain, and at the same time remark- 
ably neat ; so that it was a matter of surprise that he could 
ride on horseback ten or fifteen miles in a rough country, over 
muddy roads, and appear in the pulpit, or rather on a preach- 
ing stand in the woods, as neat and clean as if he had the 
minute before come from his toilet. He always rode a good 
horse, and it was believed he was a good judge of that animal, 
and that he selected one with such a movement as would not 

among the elders of the land. They looked well to the ways of their 
households, and did not eat the bread of idleness." Prov. 31. " Their 
husbands were kiiown in tlie gates, when they sat among the elders." In 
illustration of this — at a meeting of Presbytery, one of the members, 
giving reasons for absence from the last meeting, told them about his 
building a spring-house or smoke-house, and some other matters of a 
similar character, which prevented his coming to Presbytery. Where- 
upon Mr. Power expressed his regret that the brother should find, in 
such domestic cares, an excuse for absenting himself; and then re- 
marked, that he himself had never staid away from Presbytery for such 
reasons, and hoped he never would. " No thanks to brother Power," 
said Mr. Porter, without rising from his seat, "for all his bragging 
about Jiis punctuality. We all know what sort of a wife he has to 
manage for him, at home." 

We have already stated that Mr. Smith's family furnished wives for 
four ministers — Dr. M'Millan's, also, for three. Dr. Power likewise 
supplied his full quota: for besides the two ministers already men- 
tioned, the Rev. Thomas Moore and the Rev. William Swan found their 
partners in his family. It was rather a remarkable incident in Dr. 
Power's domestic history, that he himself performed the marriage cere- 
mony/or two of ?iis daughters, standing with their husbands before him 
at the same time. 



THB REV. JAMES POWER. 235. 

throw mud or dust on the rider. In his conversation and 
manners he was dignified and precise, seldom, if ever, indulg- 
ing in anything like wit or levity. And yet he was sociable, 
and far from being morose or censorious* 

His voice was not loud, but remarkably clear and distinct. 
His enunciation was so perfect that the whole volume of his 
voice was used in conveying to his hearers the words he ut- 
tered. When he spoke in the open air, as he frequently did, 
he could be heard at a great distance. You heard no rumb- 
ling and confused noise ; but clear, articulate sounds. He 
always preached without notes ; but from the arrangement of 
his discourses and the correctness of his language, it is pro- 
bable his sermons were generally written and committed to 
memory. In his manner and style of preaching, he had 
nothing of the vehemence and terror of his cotemporary, the 
Rev. John M'Millan, nor of the pungent and alarming ad- 
dress of the Rev. Joseph Smith, of Buffalo, Washington 
County. His sermons were clear, methodical, expressed in 
words well selected, and delivered in a pleasing, rather than 
a forcible and striking manner. To the sober and judicious 
part of the audience who desired instruction in the doctrines 
and practical duties of the gospel, rather than strong appeals 
to the passions, his preaching was very acceptable. 

No remarkable revival took place under his ministry, if we 
except that of 1802, which extended to every Presbyterian 
congregation west of the mountains in Pennsylvania. Never- 
theless his ministry was successful in edifying Christians, 
instructing the young, and improving the morals of the com- 
munity. Every year additions were made to the churches 
under his care. To the children and young persons of his 
charge, Mr. Power paid particular attention ; and he was very 
successful in attaching them to him personally, and in turn- 
ing their minds to the subject of religion. He embraced every 
suitable occasion to introduce the subject of religion ; and 
especially when he met a young person alone, it is believed 



236 A BIOGRAPniCAL SJvETCH OF 

he seldom failed to make an affectionate and solemn appeal 
to the heart and conscience. 

The wonderful talent which he possessed of remem- 
bering names and r^ognising persons to whom he had been 
once introduced, gave him a great advantage in perform- 
ing parochial duties. When he visited a family, or, on any 
occasion, entered a house, he was in the habit of asking the 
names of the children and domestics. And such was his 
memory in this respect, that afterwards he would call each 
one by name, and recollect the relative ages of a numerous 
family. And if any one of the family was absent, he never 
failed to inquire for that one by name. The consequence 
was, that he appeared to feel, and no doubt did feel, an inte- 
rest in each individual, and no one thought himself overlooked 
or neglected. He departed this life in 1830, at an advanced 
age. And it is a remarkable fact, that for three or four 
years before his death, he lost his memory and power of recog- 
nising persons to such a degree that he did not know his own 
children, who resided in the neighborhood, and who frequently 
visited him. How frail is man! The doctrines taught by 
Mr. Power were those of the Westminster Confession of Faith, 
and his mode of exhibiting them similar to that of the Ten- 
nents. Strain, Finley, and other distinguished men of that 
day. It may be remarked, that the people to whom Mr. 
Power ministered, were chiefly Scotch-Irish, or their descend- 
ents ; that they were educated under Presbyterian influence ; 
were familiar with the doctrines of the Westminster Confes- 
sion of Faith, and especially the Shorter Catechism ; and 
that they retained, in a good degree, the religious customs of 
their ancestors. The Shorter Catechism was learned at 
school, and it was recited every Sabbath evening at home by 
all the family, young and old. The pastor, accompanied by 
an elder, visited, as he was able, the families belonging tp his 
charge, prayed with them, and gave them such instructions 
and advice as the case of each required. After he had gone 



THE REV. JAMES POWER. 23T 

from house to house in a particular district, he appointed a 
general meeting, at which all the families were expected to 
attend; and the heads of families, the young people, the 
children, in separate divisions, were examined as to their 
knowledge of the Catechism and the doctrines therein taught. 
The children repeated the Catechism, the young people and 
the heads of families were examined as to their understand- 
ing of the doctrines taught in the Catechism and the Scrip- 
ture proofs. And to prepare for this examination, Fisher's 
Exposition of the Catechism was recommended and generally 
used. The whole was closed with' an address suitable to the 
occasion, and prayer. The discipline of the church was 
extended to all baptized persons ; so that if any gross immo- 
rality had been committed, they were required to make public 
confession, and profess penitence for their sin before they 
were admitted to the Lord's table, or could have their chil- 
dren baptized. Mr. Power punctually and faithfully conti- 
nued these customs, and the effects were salutary. Young 
people were restrained from gross sins. Both old and young 
were excited to diligence in reading and studying the sacred 
Scriptures, and in reading other books explaining the doc- 
trines and moral precepts of the Bible. And among those 
hardy pioneers you would find many much better instructed 
in the great truths of the gospel, although they heard a ser- 
mon only once a month, than among those at the present 
time who listen to two or three discourses every Sabbath, and 
perhaps one or more on other days in the week. 

To appreciate the labors and self-denial of Mr. Power, and 
other ministers of the gospel who settled in Western Penn- 
sylvania during the Revolutionary War, it is necessary to 
keep in mind the difficulties and dangers to which they were 
exposed. The journey over one hundred and twenty miles 
of mountains was not, seventy-five years ago, what it now is. 
There were no Macadamised roads, nor canals, nor railroads. 
A horse-path over rocks, and precipices, and marshes, was 
the only way of access to what was significantly called "the 



238 A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF 

Back "Woods." Nor could the direct route through Cham- 
bersburg and Bedford be taken with safety. Parties of In- 
dians prowled around that road, and slaughtered many fami- 
lies on their way to the West. On that route there are places 
whose names to this day indicate the barbarous acts of those 
times; such as "the Burnt Cabins," "Bloody Run," &c. To 
avoid the tomahawk and scalping-knife, the southern route, 
through Hagerstown, Hancock, and Cumberland, in Mary- 
land, was usually taken, and thence, following Braddock's 
Road, over the mountains; and even this road was not suit- 
able for wheel-carriages. At the present time, a journey to 
Missouri or Iowa can be performed in less time, and without 
half the labor and danger, necessary at that time to reach 
"the Back Woods." When the mountains were passed, ac- 
commoeations not very attractive were found. In the whole 
county of Westmoreland there was not a single stone, brick, 
or frame house, for several years after Mr. Power settled at 
Mount Pleasant. All the inhabitants lived in log cabins, 
more or less comfortable, according to the means of the occu- 
pant. The difficulty of obtaining articles necessary in car- 
rying on farming operations was very great. Iron, with which 
that country now abounds, had to be carried on pack-horses 
over the mountains ; and salt, which now may be purchased 
for twenty cents, could not then be had for less than five dol- 
lars per bushel. The want of mills to grind their bread was 
also severely felt. In addition to these difficulties, the inha- 
bitants were not safe from attacks of the Indians. The ac- 
commodations for public worship were as rude and unsightly 
as the family dwellings. These good people did not wait 
until they were able to erect a stone or brick building, costing 
from two to twenty thousand dollars ; nor did they send com- 
missioners to ask aid from their wealthier brethren east of the 
mountains. They took their axes, cut down trees, and erected 
with their own hands a log building, to protect them from the 
snow in winter and the rain in summer. Except in inclement 
weather, they worshipped in the open air, under the shade of 



THE EEV. JAMES POWER. 239 

the native trees. These primitive churches, if so they may 
be called, were constructed entirely with the axe. No saw, 
or plane, or even a hammer to drive a nail, was used ; for 
nails, or iron in any shape, were not employed. The roof 
was clap-boards, kept in their places by logs laid upon them, 
and the doors were of the same kind, fastened together with 
wooden pins. The windows were small openings cut in adja- 
cent logs, and glazedv)i\h paper or white linen oiled with hog's 
lard or bear's grease. The seats were logs, cleft in the middle 
and raised a suitable height on blocks. Such was the original 
house in which Dr. Power preached in Sewickly congregation. 
It stood about one mile and a half north of the present place 
of public worship, on the road leading from Markle's mill, 
towards Pittsburg, about half-way between the Big and the 
Little Sewicklies. 

Dr. Power had eight daughters and no sons. They were 
remarkably intelligent and active women. Three of them 
became the wives of Presbyterian ministers, and the others 
married respectable men in Westmoreland and Washington 
Counties. Dr. Power resided on a farm at Mount Pleasant ; 
and, leaving the management of the farm and other domestic 
concerns to his wife and daughters, he devoted his whole time 
to the duties of his sacred office. On account of the peculiar 
circumstances of the country, Dr. Power received a very small 
pittance for his services ; yet his farm was managed so judi- 
ciously, that within a few years after their removal to the 
West, his family lived in a very comfortable and respectable 
manner. 

Few men have lived so blameless and exemplary a life as 
Dr. Power. He had few, if any, peculiarities of character. 
Plain, simple, and polished in his manners, he made himself 
agreeable and respected by all classes of society, and closed 
his long life without a spot on his moral and Christian cha- 
racter. 

It may not be deemed irrelevant to append, as a sequel to 
our Biographical Sketch of Dr. Power, some account of a 



240 A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF 

tragical scene whicli occurred within the field of his labors, 
during the earlier period of his Western life. We refer to 
the Burning of Hannas-town by the savages, and the thrill- 
ing tragedies connected with it. Most of our early ministers 
and their families experienced no ordinary suffering and 
anxiety from these human demons, ever thirsting for the 
white man's blood. Messrs. Dod, M'Millan and Smith had 
each their trials in this way. But, perhaps, none of them 
ever spent a day of greater anxiety than did James Power, 
on the 13th of July, 1782. He had now been nearly eight 
years residing, with his family, west of the mountains. His 
field was, at first, widely extended through Fayette and 
Westmoreland Counties. He had removed, and settled in 
the latter County. One of his regular places of supply was 
Unity, a congregation some six or seven miles north-east of 
the present town of Greensburg, not then, however, in ex- 
istence. Not more than three or four miles from Unity was 
the seat of justice for all the West, that acknowledged the 
jurisdiction of Pennsylvania, Hanna's-town. Around it, and 
through the whole settlement, were living many of Mr. Power's 
people. He had ^been in its vicinity on the Sabbath pre- 
vious. The story we have now to relate was given to the 
public some years ago, but has been heard, perhaps, by few 
of our readers. Mr. Power was near the scene at the very 
time. It will illustrate some of the trials to which our first 
ministers and their families were exposed. 

During the whole time of the Revolutionary war, and for 
some time after it ceased, as we are informed by Mr. Finley 
in the History of the Western Insurrection, the country was 
cruelly wasted by perpetual savage depredations. The fron- 
tier was equally exposed on all sides round the whole extent 
of the country, except, perhaps, on the east a few miles near 
Youghiogeny river. The whole of what is now Westmoreland 
and Allegheny Counties, except a few townships, was eithef 
actually laid waste, or the inhabitants obliged to shelter them- 
selves in forts. The then county-town (Hanna's-town,) was 



THE REV. JAMES POWER. 241 

attacked in the time of court, and though the records were 
preserved, yet the town, with most of the property ii; con- 
tained, Was burnt : and a number were also killed, or taken 
prisoners. The following, from the Greensburg Argus, of 
1836, detailing the particulars of that event, will be read 
with interest by those who have not heretofore met with 
it :— 

"About three miles from Greensburg, on the old road to 
New Alexandria, there stand two modern-built log tenements, 
to one of which a sign-post and a sign is appended, giving 
due notice that at the ' Seven Yellow Stars' the wayfarer may 
partake of the good things of this world. Between the tavern 
and the Indian gallows-hill on the west, once stood Hanna's- 
town, the first place west of the Allegheny mountains where 
justice was dispensed, according to the leading forms, by the 
white man. The county of Westmoreland was established by 
the provincial legislature on the 26th of February, 1773, and 
the courts directed to be held at Hanna's-town. It consisted 
of about thirty habitations, some of them cabins, but most of 
them aspiring to the name of houses, having two stories of 
hewed logs. There were a wooden court-house and a jail of 
the like construction ; a fort stockaded with logs completed 
the civil and military arrangements of the town. The first 
prothonotary and clerk of the courts was Arthur St. Clair, 
Esq., afterwards general in the revolutionary army. Robert 
Hanna, Esq., was the first presiding justice in the courts ; 
and the first court of common pleas was held in April, 1773. 
Thomas Smith, Esq., afterwards one of the judges on the 
supreme bench, (made his debut in the profession which he 
afterwards illustrated and adorned,) brought quarterly from 
the east the most abstruse learning, to puzzle the backwoods 
lawyers ; and it was here that Hugh Henry Breckenridge, 
afterwards also a judge on the supreme bench, made his debut 
in the profession which he afterwards contributed to elevate 
by his genius and learning. 

" The road first opened to Fort Pitt by Gen. Forbes and 
16 



242 A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF 

his army, passed through the town. The periodical return 
of the court brought together a hardy, adventurous, frank, 
and open-hearted set of men from the Redstone, the George's 
creek, the Youghiogeny, the Monongahela, and the Catfish 
settlements, as well as from the region now in its circum- 
scribed limits, still called ' Old Westmoreland.' It may well 
be supposed that, on such occasions, there was many an up- 
roarious merry-making. Such men, when they occasionally 
met at court, met joyously. But the plough has long since 
gone over the place of merry-making, and no log or mound 
of earth remains to tell where Justice held her scales. 

" On the 13th of July, 1782, a party of the townsfolk went 
to 0' Conner's fields, about a mile and a half north of the vil- 
lage, to cut the harvest of Michael Hufihagle. 

" The summer of '82 was a sorrowful one to the frontier 
inhabitants. The blood of many a family had sprinkled their 
own fields. The frontier, northwest of the town, was almost 
deserted ; the inhabitants had fled for safety and repose to- 
wards the Sewickly settlement. At this very time, there 
were a number of families at Miller's station, about two miles 
south of the town. There was, therefore, little impediment 
to the Indians, either by way of resistance, or even of giving 
warning of their approach. When the reapers had cut down 
one field, one of the number who had crossed to the side next 
to the woods, returned in great alarm, and reported that he 
had seen a number of Indians approaching. The whole 
reaping party ran for the town, each one intent upon his own 
safety. The scene which then presented itself may more 
readily be conceived than described. Fathers asking for 
their wives and children, and children calling upon their 
parents and friends, and all hurrying in a state of consterna- 
tion to the fort. Some criminals were confined in jail, the 
doors of which were thrown open. After some time it was 
proposed that some person should reconnoitre, and relieve 
them from uncertainty. Four young men, David Shaw, 
James Brison, and two others, with their rifles, started on 



THE REV. JAMES POWER. 243 

foot through the highlands, between that and Crabtree creek, 
pursuing a direct course towards O'Conner's fields ; whilst 

Captain J , who happened to be in town, pursued a more 

circuitous route on horseback. 

" The captain was the first to arrive at the fields, and his 
eye was not long in doubt ; for the whole force of the savages 
was then mustered. He turned his horse to fly, but was 
observed and pursued. When he had proceeded a short dis- 
tance, he met the four on foot — told them to fly for their 
lives — that the savages were coming in great force — that he 
would take a circuitous route and alarm the settlements. He 
went to Love's, where Frederick Beaver now lives, about a 
mile and a quarter east of the town ; and assisted the family 
to fly, taking Mrs. Love on the horse behind him. The four 
made all speed for the town, but the foremost Indians obtained 
sight of them, and gave them hot pursuit. By the time they 
had reached the Crabtree creek, they could hear the distinct 
footfalls of their pursuers, and see the sunbeams glistening 
through the foliage upon their naked skins. When, however, 
they got into the mouth of the ravine that led up from the 
creek to the town, they felt almost secure. The Indians, 
who knew nothing of the previous alarm given to the town, 
and supposed that they would take it by surprise, did not 
fire, lest that might give notice of their approach : this saved 
the lives of David Shaw and his companions. When they 
got to the top of the hill, the strong instinct of nature im- 
pelled Shaw to go first into the town, and see whether his 
kindred had gone into the fort, before he entered it himself. 
As he reached his father's threshold and saw all within deso- 
late, he turned and saw the savages with their tufts of hair 
flying in the wind, and their brandished tomahawks ; for they 
had emerged into the open space around the town, and com- 
menced the war-whoop. He resolved to make one of them 
give his death-halloo, and raising his rifle to his eye, his bullet 
whizzed true ; for the stout savage, at whom he aimed, 
bounded into the air and fell upon his face. Then, with the 



244 A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF 

speed of an arrow, he fled for the fort, -which he entered in 
safety. The Indians were exasperated when they found the 
town deserted ; and after pillaging the houses, they set them 
on fire.* 

"Although a considerable part of the town was within 
rifle-range of the fort, the whites did but little execution, 
being more intent on their own safety than solicitious about 
destroying the enemy. One savage, who had put on the 
military coat of one of the inhabitants, paraded himself so 
ostentatiously that he was shot down. Except this one, and 
the one laid low by Shaw, there was no evidence of any other 
execution but some bones found among the ashes of one of 
the houses, where they, it was supposed, burnt those that 
were killed. There were not more than 14 or 15 rifles in 
the fort ; and a company having marched from the town some 
time before in Lochley's ill-fated campaign, many of the most 
efficient men were absent ; not more than 20 or 30 remained. 
A maiden. Jennet Shaw, was killed in the fort ; a child having 
run opposite the gate, in which there were some apertures, 
through which a bullet from the Indians occasionally whistled, 
she followed it, and as she stooped to pick it up, a bullet en- 
tered her bosom ; she thus fell a victim to the kindness of 
her heart. The savages, with their wild yells and hideous 
gesticulations, exulted as the flames spread, and looked like 
demoniacs rejoicing over the lost hopes of mortals. 

" Soon after the arrival of the marauders a large party of 

* Dr. Power had left home that morning to attend a meeting, or an 
appointment of some kind, in the direction of Hanna's-town. The news 
of the invasion and attack of the Indians, and the burning of the town, 
was received by Mrs. Power some hours before the return of her hus- 
band. They were hours to her of intense agony, as she knew not but 
that he was murdered and scalped by the savages. Mrs. Schraeder, a 
near neighbor, was the only person with her, besides her four or five 
little daughters. This lady, lately deceased at the age of 92, told u^ 
she never witnessed more distress in a family, than she that day wit- 
nessed. Such were some of the trials of our early ministers and their 
wives. 



THE REV. JAMES POWER. 245 

them were observed to break off by what seemed concerted 
signals, and march towards Miller's station. At that place, 
there had been a wedding the day before. Love is a delicate 
plant, but will take root in the midst of perils, in gentle 
bosoms. A young couple, fugitives from the frontier, fell in 
love, and were married. Among those who visited the bridal 

festivity were Mrs. H , and her two beautiful daughters, 

from the town. John Brownlee, (who then owned what' is 
now the fine farm of Frederick J. Cope), and his family, were 
also there. This individual was well known in frontier forage 
and scouting parties. His courage, activity, generosity, and 
manly form, won for him, among his associates, as they win 
everywhere, confidence and attachment. Many of the Indians 
were acquainted with his character ; some of them, probably, 
had seen his person. There were, in addition to the mansion, 
a number of cabins rudely constructed, in which those fami- 
lies who had been driven from their homes resided. The 
station was generally called Miller's town. The bridal party 
were enjoying themselves in the principal mansion, without 
the least shadow of approaching danger. Some men were 
mowing in the meadow — people in the cabins were variously 
occupied — when suddenly the war-whoop, like a clap of 
thunder from a cloudless sky, broke upon their astonished 
ears. The people in the cabins and those in the meadows, 
mostly made their escape. One incident always excites emo- 
tions in my bosom, when I have heard it related. Many who 
fled took an eastern course, over the long steep hills which 
ascend towards Peter George's farm. One man was carrying 
his child, and assisting his mother in the flight, and when 
they got towards the top of the hill, the mother exclaimed 
they would be murdered ; that the savages were gaining space 
upon them. The son and father put down his child that he 
might the more effectually assist his mother. Let those dis- 
posed to condemn keep silence, until the same struggle of 
nature takes place in their own bosoms. Perhaps he thought 
the savages would be more apt to spare the innocence of 



246 A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF 

infancy than the -weakness of age. But most likely it was 
the instinct of feeling, and even a brave man had hardly 
time to think under such circumstances. At all events Pro- 
vidence seemed to smile on the act ; for at the dawn of the 
next morning, when the father returned to the cabin, he 
found his little innocent curled upon his bed, sound asleep, 
the only human thing left amidst the desolation. Let fathers 
appreciate his feelings ; whether the Indians had found the 
child and took compassion on it, and carried it back, or 
whether the little creature had been unmolested, and when it 
became tired of its solitude, had wandered home through 
brush and over briers, will never be known. The latter 
supposition would seem most probable from its being found 
in its own cabin and on its- own bed. At the principal man- 
sion the party were so agitated by the cries of women and 
children, mingling with the yell of the savage, that all were 
for a moment irresolute ; and that moment sealed their fate. 
One young man of powerful frame grasped a child near him, 
which happened to be Brownlee's, and effected his escape. 
He was pursued by three or four savages. But his strength 
enabled him to gain slightly upon his followers ; when he 
came to a rye field, and taking the advantage of a thick 
copse, which, by a sudden turn, intervened between him and 
them, he got on the fence and leaped far into the rye, where 
he lay down with the child. He heard the quick tread of the 
savages as they passed, and their slower steps as they returned, 
muttering their guttural disappointment. That man lived to 
an honored old age, but is now no more. 

" Brownlee made his way to the door, having seized a rifle ; 
he saw, however, that it was a desperate game, but made a 
rush at some Indians who were entering the gate. The shrill, 
clear voice of his wife, "Jack, will you leave me?" instantly 
recalled him, and he sat down beside her at the door, yielding 
himself a willing victim. The party were made prisoners,, 
including the bridegroom and the bride, and several of the 
family of Miller. At this point of time, Captain J was 



THE REV. JAMES POWER. 247 

seen coming up the lane in full gallop. The Indians were 
certain of their prey, and the prisoners were dismayed at his 
rashness. Fortunately he noticed the peril in which he was 
placed, in time to save himself. Eagerly bent upon giving 
warning to the people, his mind was so engrossed with that 
idea that he did not see the enemy until he was within full 
gunshot. When he did see them and turned to fly, several 
bullets whistled by him — one of which cut his bridle rein ; 
but he escaped. When those of the marauders, who had 
pursued the fugitives, returned, and when they had safely 
secured their prisoners, and loaded them with plunder, they 
commenced their retreat. 

"Heavy were the hearts of the women and maidens, as 
they were led into captivity. Who can tell the bitterness of 
their sorrow? They looked, as they thought, for the last 
time upon the dear fields of their country and of civilized 
life. They thought of their fathers, their husbands, their 
brothers ; and as their eyes streamed with tears, the cruelty 
and uncertainty which hung over their fate, as prisoners of 
savages, overwhelmed them with despair. They had proceeded 
about half a mile, and four or five Indians near the group of 
prisoners in which was Brownlee, were observed to exchange 
rapid sentences among each other, and look earnestly at him. 
Some of the prisoners had named him ; and whether it was 
from that circumstance, or because some of the Indians had 
recognised his person, it was evident that he was a doomed 
man. He stooped slightly to adjust his child on his back, 
which he carried in addition to the luggage which they had 
put on him ; and as he did so, one of the Indians who had 
looked so earnestly at him, stepped to him hastily and buried 
a tomahawk in his head. When he fell, the child was quickly 
dispatched by the same individual. One of the women cap- 
tives screamed at this butchery, and the same bloody instru- 
ment and ferocious hand immediately ended her agony of 
spirit. God tempers the wind to the shorn lamb, and he 
enabled Mrs. Brownlee to bear that scene in speechless agony 



248 A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF 

and woe. Their bodies were found next day by the settlers, 
and buried where they fell. The spot is marked to this day 
in Michling's field. As the shades of evening began to fall, 
the marauders met again on the plains of Hanna's-town. 
They retired into the low grounds about the Crabtreee creek, 
and there regaled themselves on what they had stolen. It 
was their intention to attack the fort the next morning before 
the dawn of day. 

"At nightfall, thirty yeomen, good and true, had assem- 
bled at George's farm, not far from Miller's, determined to 
give that night what succor they could to the people in the 
fort. They set off for the town, each with his trusty rifle, 
some on horseback, and some on foot. As soon as they came 
near the fort, the greatest caution and circumspection was 
observed. Experienced woodsmen soon ascertained that the 
enemy was in the Crabtree bottom, and that they might enter 
the fort. Accordingly, they all marched to the gate, and 
were most joyfully welcomed by those within. After some 
consultation, it was the general opinion that the enemy in- 
tended to make an attack the next morning ; and, as there 
were but about 45 rifles in the fort, and about 55 or 60 men, 
the contest was considered extremely doubtful, considering 
the great superiority of numbers on the part of the savages. 
It became, therefore, a matter of the first importance, to im- 
press the enemy with the belief that large reinforcements 
were arriving. For that purpose, the horses were mounted 
by active men, and brought full trot over the bridge of plank 
that was across the ditch which surrounded the stockading. 
This was frequently repeated. Two old drums were found in 
the fort, which were new braced, and music on the fife and 
drum was kept occasionally going during the night. While, 
marching and countermarching, the bridge was frequently 
crossed on foot by the whole garrison. These measures had 
the desired effect. The military music from the fort, the 
trampling of the horses, and the marching over the -bridge, 
were borne on the silence of the night over the low lands of 



THE EEV. JAMES POWER. 249 

the Crabtree : and the sounds carried terror into the bosoms 
of the cowardly savages. They feared the retribution which 
they deserved, and fled shortly after midnight in their stealthy 
and wolf-like habits. Three hundred Indians, and about sixty 
white savages, in the shape of refugees, as they were then 
called, crossed the Crabtree that day, with the intention of 
destroying Hanna's-town and Miller's station. The next day, 
a number of the whites pursued the trail as far as the Kiske- 
minetas, without being able to overtake them. 

" The little community, which had now no homes but what 
the fort supplied, looked out on the ruins of the town with the 
deepest sorrow. It had been to them the scene of heartfelt 
joys — embracing the intensity and tenderness of all which 
renders the domestic hearth and family altar sacred. By 
degrees, they all sought themselves places, where they might, 
like Noah's dove, find rest for the soles of their feet. The 
lots of the town, either by sale or abandonment, became 
merged in the adjoining farm ; and the labors of the husband- 
men soon effaced what time might have spared. Many a tall 
harvest have I seen growing upon the ground ; but never did 
I look upon its waving luxuriance, without thinking of the 
severe trials, and the patient fortitude, and the high courage 
which characterised the early settlers. 

" The prisoners were surrendered by the Indians to the 
British in Canada. The beauty and misfortune of the Misses 

H attracted attention. An English officer — perhaps 

moved by beauty in distress, to love her for the dangers she 
had passed — wooed and won the fair and gentle Marian. 
After the peace of '83, the rest of the captives were delivered 
up, and returned to their country." 

We have never understood what proportion of those en- 
gaged in the scenes above described were of Dr. Power's 
people. It is certain, that many of them were his constant 
hearers when he preached in that part of his charge. 

So far as we have learned, this was the greatest, but not 
the last of the trials to which Dr. Power and his family and 



250 TEMPERANCE IN THOSE TIMES. 

people were subjected from these marauders of the forest. 
We have recently learned from one who had it from the lips 
of Dr. Power himself, that he on that day was at Unity 
meeting-house ; it being their fast-day previous to an intended 
communion on the ensuing Sabbath — that most of the men, 
as was the common custom, were there with their guns — that 
tidings came, either before or soon after the service com- 
menced, of the attack and burning of Hanna's-town by the 
savages, and that the congregation immediately dispersed, — 
the communion was necessarily deferred. Of this circum- 
stance, about the fast-day meeting at Unity, Mrs. Schroeder 
was not, we suppose, informed. She only knew that Dr. 
Power had gone in that direction to attend some meeting. 
Being herself a member of the Lutheran church, it is not 
strange that she did not know more particularly the occasion 
of Dr. Power's absence. 



CHAPTER VII. 

TEMPERANCE IN THE EARLY DAYS OF PRESBYTERIANISM. 

In regard to the subject of temperance, our ministers and 
people partook of the common delusion, then universally pre- 
valent, that total abstinence was not only unnecessary, but 
unwise. They regarded the moderate use of ardent spirits 
as highly salutary. 

"By a mistaken notion in physiology," says Mr. Renwick, 
in his Life of Hamilton, " it had become an opinion almost 
universal, that, in the climate of a great portion of the United 
States, ardent spirit was a necessary beverage, alone, or di-* 
luted with water. Hence, almost every adult in the United 
States was a consumer of it ; and although, in most cases, in 



TEMPERANCE IN THOSE TIMES. 2^1 

great moderation, there were still multitudes who, under the 
popular error, had no sense of shame in indulging in alcoholic 
liquids to excess. The trade in this article was then an im- 
portant branch of commerce, and its manufacture one of the 
most extensive branches of national industry." 

The people through the Western counties — unable to raise 
the means of paying their taxes by the sale of their grain, 
which would not bear portage, east of the mountains, on horse- 
back, and which could not be carried to New Orleans, but with 
great danger and uncertainty — were driven, almost by neces- 
sity, to reduce the products of their farms to portable size, by 
distillation. They were compelled to become distillers ; and 
a distillery was erected on almost every third or fourth farm 
through Westmoreland, Washington and Fayette Counties. 
The people used it themselves freely, morning, noon and 
night, especially in harvest, and on all occasions when they 
were exposed to severe toil, or the inclemency of the weather. 
Our ministers and elders used it, as well as their people. Yet 
they were not intemperate. No instance ever occurred, in 
the history of the Old Redstone Presbytery, in which either 
a minister or elder ever needed to be subjected to the slightest 
act of discipline, on this account. And there is no instance 
on record, in their minutes, of any case originating in this 
cause coming before them, by complaint or appeal from ses- 
sions. 

When we^ remember the prevalence of the custom of using 
whiskey or brandy — when we learn that it was the universal 
custom, whenever a friend or neighbor called, to set out the 
bottle, as a common act of civility — when we call to mind the 
frequent exposures of the early settlers to the violence of the 
elements — when we remember how many causes of anxiety 
and sorrow pressed upon them continually, tempting them 
with the delusive promise of recruited strength, or of relief 
from distress, to resort to the consolations, or the delights, of 
the bottle — ^when it is borne in mind that liquor was freely 
used as a medicine, in various forms, and recommended by 



252 TEMPERANCE IN THOSE TIMES. 

physicians — -^vlien we consider that, in those days, liquor was 
freely used at all meetings of every kind, that a man could 
not be horn, married, or buried, without the presence and 
free use of whiskey — it is really wonderful that intemperance 
did not come in like a flood upon the church, and the world. 
Yet it is really due to our fathers — both ministers, elders and 
people — to testify, upon the most credible evidence, that in- 
temperance was not the vice of those times, at least among 
our people. We once thought otherwise. But a more careful 
examination of the subject has satisfied us that this was not 
the case. The Whiskey Insurrection, it is true, occurred in 
the bounds of the Redstone Presbytery. But, in the first 
place, this arose from no special fondness for the intemperate 
use of the article. It was simply the result of a delusion 
respecting their rights, and an impression that they were 
wrongfully and oppressively taxed in the very article which 
alone they could turn to account in trade and commerce, and 
thereby secure to themselves and families the very necessaries 
of life. They regarded the excise tax as odious and oppres- 
sive. They neither loved nor used whiskey more than the 
people of other sections of the United States. But, in the 
second place, very few of our people joined in that unhappy 
movement ; and all our ministers opposed it strenuously and 
successfully among their people. One of the historians of 
that Insurrection, Mr. Findley, states, in reference to the 
meeting held at Couche's Fort, " While they were deliberating 
what was to be done, the Rev. Mr. Clarke, a venerable and 
very old clergyman, expostulated with them on the impro- 
priety of the enterprise, and used his utmost endeavors to 
dissuade them from it." 

Judge Brackenridge says, " Great pains were taken — par- 
ticularly by the clergy, in various congregations. The Rev. 
Samuel Porter, and the Rev. John M'Millan, and others, had, 
from the first, borne a decided testimony against the forcible 
opposition to the laws. Previous to the day of giving the test 
of submission, Mr. M'Millan, having appointed a day for 



WHISKEY INSURRECTIOIsr. 253 

giving the sacrament of bread and wine, adjourned the cele- 
bration, until it could be known who would submit — meaning 
to exclude those from the ordinance who should remain obsti- 
nate, and refuse this declaration of fidelity. He attended 
himself on the day of submission, and used his immediate in- 
fluence." 

Some account of that extraordinary event may, with pro- 
priety, find a place in this Work. For though the actual de- 
nouement of the " Whiskey Insurrection" did not take place 
till the year after the Old Presbytery of Redstone ceased to 
exist — yet its causes, and the circumstances which led to that 
unfortunate issue, are to be found scattered through several 
previous years : and their bearing upon the interests of re- 
ligion, and of the church, was not inconsiderable. 

An intelligent survey of the moral and religious state of 
the country during the last years of the Presbytery, cannot 
be taken without some acquaintance with that singular chap- 
ter in the history of Western Pennsylvania. Soon after the 
exciting occurrences of '94, Mr. Findley, long a member of 
Congress from Western Pennsylvania, wrote and published 
his account of them, entitled " The History of the Insurrec- 
tion." This work was soon followed by another from the pen 
of Judge H. Brackenridge, entitled " Incidents of the Western 
Insurrection." These works, taken together, furnish a tole- 
rably complete account, yet have been charged with much 
partiality and injustice in particular cases. Judge Lobingier 
has also given to the public his reminiscences and views of 
that exciting period, in which important corrections of the 
errors or partial statements of Messrs. Findley and Bracken- 
ridge may be found. Dr. Carnahan has likewise furnished a 
valuable .paper on the subject to the New Jersey Historical 
Society. We propose to give the very clear, able, yet com- 
prehensive account of the "Insurrection," from the pen of 
the Hon. Judge Wilkeson, first published in the American 
Pioneer ; adding some concluding remarks from Dr. Carna- 



254 WHISKEY INSURRECTION. 

han's Lecture. Even those to •whom the subject is familiar 
•will read the Judge's account of it with interest : 

" The federal constitution, -which had recently been adopted, 
•was not generally approved of in this section of the country. 
Many believed that the new government •would usurp the 
power of the states, destroy the liberties of the people, and 
end in a consolidated aristocracy, if not a monarchy. It was 
even alleged by many that the reason why General Washing- 
ton had refused to entrust the defence of the frontiers to the 
people themselves, was his desire to increase the regular 
army, that it might be ultimately used for destroying their 
liberties. 

The defeat of General St. Clair's army exposed the whole 
range of the frontier settlements on the Ohio to the fury of 
the Indians. The several settlements made the best arrange- 
ment in their power for their own defence. The government 
took measures for recruiting, as soon as possible, the western 
army. General Wayne, a favorite •with the western people, 
was appointed to command ; but a factious opposition in Con- 
gress to the military and financial plans of the administration 
delayed the equipment of the army for nearly two years. 
While General Wayne was preparing to penetrate the Indian 
country in the summer of 1794, the attention of the Indians 
was drawn to their own defence, and the frontiers were re- 
lieved from their attacks. But Western Pennsylvania, though 
relieved from war, seemed to have no relish for peace. Hav- 
ing been some time engaged in resisting the revenue laws, her 
opposition was now increased to insurrection. 

The seeds of party had been widely sown, and had taken 
deep root in the western counties. Every act of the general 
government which manifested a spirit of conciliation towards 
the British (who were charged with inciting the Indians to 
war on the frontier), was regarded with marked disapproba- 
tion. The Irish population which prevailed in the country 
generally sympathised with the French, and felt the most 



WHISKEY INSUKRECTION. 255 

lively interest in the French Revolution, and the highest 
respect for their diplomatic agents in this country, who were 
then engaged in collisions with our government. The neutral 
policy which was adopted in relation to France and England 
was unpopular. Democratic societies were formed in every 
part of the country, and the measures of the government 
denounced ; especially the act laying a duty on distilled spi- 
rits. This temper of disaffection was inflamed by the exten- 
sive circulation of newspapers, the organs of the French 
party, and of speeches of members of Congress in the French 
interest and opposed to the administration. The ordinary 
means of counteracting the influence of these mischievous 
publications were limited. The newspapers which defended 
the policy of the government had but little circulation in the 
West, and the friends of the administration neglected, until 
it was too late, to disabuse the public mind. 

The resistance to the excise law from its first enactment 
had been so decided and general that the president, desiring 
to remove its most objectionable features, recommended to 
Congress a modification of the act. This was done. The 
concession, however, served only to increase the opposition. 
Every expedient was adopted to avoid the payment of the 
duties. In order to allay opposition as far as possible. Gene- 
ral John Neville, a man of the most deserved popularity, was 
appointed Collector for Western Pennsylvania. He accepted 
the appointment from a sense of duty to his country. He 
was one of the few men of great wealth who had put his all 
at hazard for independence. At his own expense he raised 
and equipped a company of soldiers, marched them to Boston, 
and placed them, with his son, under the command of General 
Washington. He was the brother-in-law to the distinguished 
General Morgan, and father-in-law to Majors Craig and Kirk- 
patrickj officers highly respected in the western country. 
Besides General Neville's claims as a soldier and a patriot, he 
had contributed greatly to relieve the sufferings of the settlers 
in his vicinity. He divided his last loaf with the needy ; and 



256 WHISKEY INSURRECTION. 

in a season of more than ordinary scarcity, as soon as his 
wheat was sufficiently matured to be converted into food, he 
opened his fields to those who were suffering with hunger. If 
any man could have executed this odious law, General Neville 
was that man. He entered upon the duties of his office, and 
appointed his deputies from among the most popular citizens. 
The first attempts, however, to enforce the law, were resisted. 
One or more deputies were tarred and feathered ; others were 
compelled to give up their appointments to avoid like treat- 
ment. The opposers of the law, having proceeded to open 
acts of resistance, now assumed a bolder attitude. An assem- 
blage of several hundred men proceeded in the night to 
General Neville's house and demanded the surrender of his 
commission ; but finding him prepared for defence, they at- 
tempted no violence. He had not doubted that there was 
sufficient patriotism in the country to enable the civil autho- 
rities to protect him in the discharge of his duty ; but in this 
he was mistaken. The magistrates were powerless. Their 
authority was set at defiance. 

Although a large majority of the disaffected never dreamed 
of carrying their opposition to the measures of government 
to open resistance, yet they had aided to create a tempest 
which they could neither direct nor allay. The population 
received a large increase, yearly, of Irish emigrants, who had 
been obliged to leave their own country on account of oppo- 
sition to its government ; besides which, there was a large 
floating population, who had found employment in guarding 
the frontiers, and who had nothing to lose by insurrection. 
Both of these classes joined the insurgent party, and even 
forced them to adopt more extreme measures than they had 
at first contemplated. They at length proceeded so far as to 
form an organized resistance to the law. Meetings were held 
and officers were appointed in the most excited districts. 
Several hundred men volunteered to take General Neville 
into immediate custody. His friends in Pittsburg, being 
apprised of these movements, advised that measures should 



"WHISKEY HSrSUERECTION. 257 

be adopted for his protection. But they were greatly mis- 
taken in the amount of force which would be requisite. Major 
Kirkpatrick, with only a dozen soldiers from the garrison 
at Pittsburg, repaired to General Neville's house, which was 
that very evening (July 15, 1794), surrounded by about five 
hundred men. The General, yielding to the importunity of 
friends, had, on the approach of the insurgents, withdrawn 
from his ]^ouse, accompanied by his servant. The assailants 
demanded that the General and his papers should be given 
up to them. On being refused, a fire was commenced, which 
was continued some time, until Major M'Farland, an influen- 
tial citizen, who was one of the assailants, was shot. 

Gen. Neville's house was situated on an elevated plain 
which overlooked the surrounding country. A range of 
negro houses was on one side, and barns and stables on the 
other. These were fired by the assailants, and when the 
flames were about to communicate with the dwelling-house, 
the party within surrendered. The soldiers were dismissed. 
The son of General Neville, who came up during the attack, 
was taken prisoner, but, with Kirkpatrick, was released on 
condition of leaving the country. 

This violent outrage produced a strong sensation. It was 
in the season of harvest, when the people of the surrounding 
country were collected in groups to aid each other in cutting 
their grain. During the day, it became known that prepara- 
tions were making to take General Neville. As he could call 
to his aid nearly a hundred of his faithful slaves, who had 
learned the use of arms in the Indian war, it was believed 
that he would defend himself. Few, if any, of the immediate 
neighbors of the General were engaged in the attack ; but, 
instead of going to his defence, they collected from a distance 
of several miles around, and selected the most favorable posi- 
tions in the neighborhood for listening to, or seeing the anti- 
cipated attack. At about 10 o'clock in the evening, I wit- 
nessed the commencement of the fire at a distance of two 
miles, and saw the flames ascending from the burning houses, 
17 



258 WHISKEY INSURRECTION. 

until the actors in the scene became visible in the increasing 
light. It was a painful sight, especially to those who had 
experienced the hospitality of the only fine mansion in the 
country, to see it destroyed by a lawless mob, and its inmates 
exposed to their fury. Even those who were opposed to the 
measures of the administration, and had countenanced resist- 
ance to the execution of the excise law, were overwhelmed at 
this appalling commencement of open insurrection. Meetings 
were proposed by the friends of order, for the purpose of 
concerting measures for their own security ; but so much time 
was lost in deliberation, that the insurgents became too strong 
to be resisted. 

Men of property and influence, who had become compro- 
mitted in the destruction of General Neville's house, exerted 
themselves to involve the whole country in open resistance to 
the laws. Several officers of the government and others, 
whose influence was feared, were forced to leave the country. 
The mail was robbed, and the names of several writers found 
in it were added to the list of the proscribed. Those who 
were thus expelled their country dared not take the usual 
road across the mountains, but were compelled to proceed by 
a dangerous and circuitous route through the wilderness. 

The insurgents seemed resolved that there should be no 
neutrals in the country. Immediately after the first out- 
break, they called a general meeting of the militia at Brad- 
dock's field, to decide upon the measures which should be 
farther taken in relation to the excise. Seven or eight thou- 
sand assembled, and an attorney from Washington assumed 
the command. He was a blustering demagogue, and destitute 
of the courage and decision necessary to direct an insurrec- 
tion. The leaders had no plan digested for future action ; 
nor could this extraordinary assemblage, whose grotesque ap- 
pearance it would require a Falstaff to describe, tell for what 
purpose they had come together. A committee was appointed 
to deliberate. Hugh Henry Brackenridge, a distinguished 
lawyer of Pittsburg, who filled a large space in the country, 



WHISKEY INSURRECTION. 259 

and was known as an opposer of some of the measures of the 
administration, and therefore presumed to be in favor of re- 
sistance, was appointed on this committee. Possessing great 
powers of persuasion, he succeeded in preventing the com- 
mittee from recommending energetic measures, and urged 
moderation until the effect of their past resistance should be 
known. The report of the committee merely recommended 
the holding of a meeting, by delegates, from the several towns 
in the country, at Parkinson's ferry, a few weeks ensuing. 
On receiving this report, much dissatisfaction was manifested ; 
the assembly, however, dispersed, two or three thousand men 
only marching in a body to Pittsburg. A portion of these 
proposed to burn the place, but the kindness of the citizens 
in supplying them with provisions, and the influence of the 
more respectable of their associates, induced them to leave the 
village unharmed. They contented themselves with burning 
the mansion of Major Kirkpatrick in the vicinity. Many of 
the most active insurgents traversed the country, to insure a 
general election of delegates to the convention, which was to 
be held in the month of August. In the meantime, the people 
were in a state of great alarm — parties of the most reckless 
of the insurgents, freed from all restraints of law, paraded 
the country, and threatened destruction to all tories and aris- 
tocrats, (epithets applied to all who would not join them.) In 
the face of all these dangers, however, many of the towns 
sent, as delegates, friends of law and supporters of the admi- 
nistration. 

The President, desirous to avoid the use of force, had ap- 
pointed three commissioners to repair to the western country, 
and offer pardon to all offenders who would return to their 
duty, and submit to the- laws. These commissioners arrived 
about the time of the meeting of the convention. Some of 
the delegates to the convention were men -of distinguished 
ability, at the head of whom was Albert Gallatin. Although 
a foreigner, who could with difficulty make himself understood 
in English, yet he presented with great force the folly of past 



260 WHISKEY INSURRECTION. 

resistance, and the ruinous consequences to the country of the 
continuance of the insurrection. He urged that the govern- 
ment was bound to vindicate the laws, and that it would surely 
send an overwhelming force against them, unless the proposed 
amnesty was accepted. Mr. Gallatin placed the subject in a 
new light, and showed the insurrection to be a much more 
serious affair than it had before appeared. The ardor of the 
most reckless was moderated. A conference was had with 
the government commissioners, and the question, whether the 
country should submit or not, was earnestly discussed. A 
strong disposition was manifested to accept of the terms pro- 
posed. The acts of violence which had already been com- 
mitted, made some of the leaders tremble in view of what 
might follow. The machinery of the so-called democratic 
clubs was found not to work so well in this country as in 
Paris ; and lynch law, executed by a set of desperadoes, was 
proved to be a poor exchange for the protection of law regu- 
larly administered. Many who had been seduced from their 
allegiance repented of their folly, and would gladly have re- 
traced their steps ; but this was not easy to do : they dreaded 
the vengeance of their associates. "The sons of liberty," as 
the insurgents styled themselves, could not bear traitors ; 
and those who forsook their party, were exposed to, they 
knew not what, acts of violence and outrage. For, notwith; 
standing the returning good sense of nmny, there were others 
who still entertained such deep-rooted prejudices against the 
administration, and who had imbibed such wild notions of 
liberty, that they desired the separation of the "West from the 
Union. They were deceived by exaggerated accounts of the 
disaffection which prevailed throughout Pennsylvania, Ken- 
tucky, and western Virginia. It hai been represented from 
these places, that if western Pennsylvania would successfully 
resist for a few months, their cause would be espoused by a 
party so strong as to set the general government at de- 
fiance. 

Although the convention was in favor of submission, yet as 



WHISKEY INSURRECTION. 261 

its constituents had not delegated to it the power of settling 
that question, it was concluded to refer it back to the people, 
who in town meetings should decide it for themselves. 

Early in September, the gratifying news was received that 
General Wayne had gained a signal victory over the com- 
bined force of the Indians on the Maumee. This news 
operated favorably for the government. It not only removed 
the dissatisfaction to which the great delays attending the 
campaign had given rise, but it was the best possible illustra- 
tion of the benefits to be derived from the protection of the 
general government, which had been greatly underrated. As 
a permanent peace with the Indians was now considered cer- 
tain, this increased the desire for tranquillity at home. 

The citizens convened in town-meetings to consider the 
terms of submission proposed by the government, printed 
copies of which had been distributed through the country. 
In some townships, the meetings failed entirely ; in others, 
they were interrupted and dispersed before having accom- 
plished any business. But in a large majority of the town- 
ships the attendance was general, good order was preserved, 
and the submission papers were generally signed. These 
results inspired the friends of government with courage, and 
greatly dispirited the insurgents. By the first of October, 
tranquillity and good order were in a great measure restored. 

But as the malcontents were still sufficiently numerous to 
resist the execution of the revenue laws, the government 
marched forward the army which they had for some time 
been organising, consisting of about 14,000 militia from 
Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. An 
unusual quantity of rain having fallen during the autumn, 
the army suffered greatly on their march, particularly several 
regiments composed of mechanics, merchants, and others 
from the cities, who were not inured to such hardships. 
They became so disheartened that if the passes of the moun- 
tains had been disputed by only 1000 resolute insuKgents, the 
army might have been greatly embarrassed, if not defeated. 



262 WHISKEY INSURRECTION. 

But they met no resistance either in the mountains or in the 
infected districts. Bradford, and a few others who had the 
most to fear, fled to the Spanish country on the Mississippi ; 
others, equally guilty, but less notorious offenders sought 
security in sequestered settlements. " Not a dog wagged his 
tongue" against the army, which advanced to Pittsburg and 
took up their quarters. 

General Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury, who repre- 
sented the government, had his quarters soon thronged with 
informers, and those who had suffered from the insurgents, 
and sought compensation. A kind of inquisitorial court was 
opened, in which testimony was taken against individuals 
denounced for treasonable acts or expressions. Many of the 
informers, influenced by prejudice or malice, implicated those 
who had been guilty of no offence against the government. 

After a few days spent in these " star-chamber" proceed- 
ings, the dragoons were put in requisition ; and the officers 
furnished with the names of the offenders, proceeded with 
guides, of whom there was no lack, to arrest them. Such of 
the proscribed as apprehended no danger, were soon taken ; 
and without any intimation of the offence with which they 
stood charged, or time for preparation, about 300 were carried 
to Pittsburg. Here many found acquaintances, and influ- 
ential friends, who interposed in their behalf, and obtained 
their immediate release ; others, less fortunate, were sent to 
Philadelphia for trial, where they were imprisoned for ten or 
twelve months, without even indictments found against them. 
But few of the really guilty were taken, while many who had 
committed no offence against the laws, but unfortunately had 
fallen under the displeasure of an informer, suffered the pun- 
ishment due only to the guilty. The following may serve as 
an instance : 

A lieutenant of the army, while it was halting at Pittsburg, 
visited his uncle in the vicinity, and accompanied him to a 
husking party, when, on using the term rebel as applicable to 
the citizens generally, he was rebuked by a respectable old 



WHISKEY INSURRECTIOIS^ 263 

man of the party. The oflScer replied insolently, upon which 
a young man (for young men in those days always felt hound 
to protect the aged) interposed, and would have treated him 
with deserved severity, had not my father hegged him off. 
The officer returned to Pittsburg, and the next day both of 
those who had offended him at the husking were arrested. 
The young man found friends who procured his liberation ; but 
the old man, notwithstanding efforts were made for his release, 
was carried to Philadelphia and imprisoned for more than six 
months without trial. 

I believe that but a single individual was tried ; this was 
one of the mail-robbers, who was convicted of treason and 
sentenced to be hung, but was finally pardoned. 

The army remained at Pittsburg only long enough to recruit 
from their fatigue and receive their pay. Many of them, dis- 
gusted with a soldier's life, obtained their discharge, and 
either settled in the country, or purchased horses on which 
to return home. A few battalions only of the army were 
retained in the country through the winter ; the remainder 
resumed their march and recrossed the mountains." 

Here we might close our extended extract from Judge 
Wilkinson's account of the Whiskey Insurrection. But though 
what follows is not necessary to complete the narrative, it is 
so much to our purpose in several other respects that we think 
the reader will not regret its insertion here. 

" The insurrection for a time threatened the most disas- 
trous consequences ; and if it had not been promptly crushed, 
might have subverted the government ; yet it was not without 
its advantages. Its suppression tested the patriotism of the 
people and their attachment to the constitution, points on 
which there had been much doubt, both at home and abroad. 
The practical experiment of raising a large array by draughts 
of militia from several states, and marching them in an 
inclement season, under great privations, several hundred 
miles, to suppress a revolt, was a most gratifying evidence that 
the government was founded in the affections of the people, 



264 WHISKEY INSURRECTION. 

and that however they might differ about the mode of its ad- 
ministration, yet the government itself would be sustained. 

Nor was it the government alone that profited by the 
insurrection ; the rapid growth of the country west of the 
mountains may be dated from that period. Although the 
country had for years abounded in stock and provisions, yet 
there was no home market where either could be sold for 
cash. There was but little money in circulation, and of 
course but little stimulus to industry. The price of a cow in 
barter was about five dollars, and of a good horse from ten 
to twenty dollars ; wheat was about thirty cents a bushel.. 
But the army created a demand both for provisions and 
horses, which increased their value from one hundred to three 
hundred per cent. Nearly a million of dollars of government 
money was paid out in the country. Had Western Pennsyl- 
vania been compelled to refund this amount, as the penalty 
of her revolt, she would still have been a gainer. A large 
accession of settlers from the army, greatly increased the 
price of land : money became plenty, and a cash home-market 
was established. 

But the prosperity which resulted from the insurrection did 
not wipe away its reproach. The character of the people suf- 
fered greatly, and the more so, as the actual causes of this 
insurrection were misunderstood and misrepresented. It has 
generally been believed that the Western people were so de- 
void of patriotism, and so insensible to the blessings of a free 
government, that they refused to be taxed for its support ; 
and that they regarded whiskey so necessary an article of 
consumption, as to be unwilling to have its price enhanced by 
a duty. These opinions do them great injustice. Although 
the citizens generally were in the habit of drinking whiskey, 
yet, strange as it may appear at this day, tliey were not 
drunkards. The custom of the country was to furnish whis- 
key in harvest; and at all collections of neighbors, to aid each 
other in log-rollings, raising cabins, or husking corn, whiskey 
was indispensable. The prevailing forms of hospitality could 



WHISKEY INSUREECTION. 265 

not be carried out without it. If one neighbor called on 
another, to make a visit, or do an errand, the bottle and a cup 
of water were invariably presented to him, after being first 
tasted by the host, who drank to the health of his guest. 
"Women treated their visitors with whiskey, made palatable 
with sugar, milk and spices. It was used as a medicine in 
several diseases, and proved an unfailing remedy in some. 
Among laborers the bottle was passed around, and there was 
always some kind-hearted man to see that the little boys were 
not forgotten. Morning bitters were generally used, and a 
dram before meals. But this common use of liquor was not 
limited to Western Pennsylvania'; it prevailed in all the new 
settlements, if not over the United States. 

There was nothing disreputable, at that day, in either 
drinking or making whiskey. Distilling was esteemed as moral 
and as respectable as any other business. It was early com- 
menced, and extensively carried on in Western Pennsylvania. 
There was neither home nor foreign market for rye, the prin- 
cipal grain then raised in that part of the country, and which 
was a profitable and sure crop. The grain would not bear 
packing across the mountains. A horse could not carry more 
than four bushels of it, but could carry the product of twenty- 
four bushels, when converted into high wines, which found a 
market east of the mountains, and could be used in the pur- 
chase of salt, goods, &c. The settlers, at an early day, cal- 
culated that the whiskey trade would become a great source 
of wealth to the country, when the right of way to New Orleans 
should have been settled, and that market fully opened to 
their produce. Monongahela whiskey was reputed to be supe- 
jrior to any in the United States, and had the preference in 
every market. There was, very naturally, a general disposi- 
tion to engage in distilling, as the only business which pro- 
mised sure gain ; and the people of Western Pennsylvania re- 
garded a tax on whiskey in the same light as the citizens of 
Ohio would now regard a United States tax on lard, pork, or 
flour. 



266 WHISKEY INSUKRECTION. 

There were many aggravating circumstances calculated to 
render the whiskey tax odious, and to array the Western 
people in hostility to the government. For years they had 
suffered unspeakable hardships and privations ; the govern- 
ment had neither protected the frontiers from Indian massa- 
cres, nor paid the militia service of the settlers ; and the 
"Western posts had been suffered to remain in possession of 
the British, contrary to the treaty of peace. Thus exposed 
and deprived of the advantages of peace, which were enjoyed 
by the rest of the United States — destitute of money, and the 
means of procuring it — a direct tax appeared to them unjust 
and oppressive. Unjust, because they had not received that 
protection which every government owes to its citizens ; op- 
pressive, because the tax was levied on the scanty product of 
their agricultural labor, and was required to be paid in specie, 
or its equivalent, which could not be furnished. Whether these 
opinions were well founded, or not, it is doubtful whether the 
law-abiding descendants of the pilgrims would have quietly 
submitted to the law under just such circumstances. The set- 
tlers cultivated their land for years, at the peril of their lives. 
Like the Jews under Nehemiah, their weapons of defence were 
never laid aside ; and when, by extraordinary efforts, they 
were enabled to raise a little more grain than their immediate 
wants required, they were met with a law restraining them in 
the liberty of doing what they pleased with the surplus. 

The policy of laying a direct tax on the products of labor 
found few advocates in the Western country, and many vio- 
lent opposers. It was contended that the tax on whiskey was 
but the commencement of a system of taxation as odious and 
oppressive as that of the British government, M^hich had given 
rise to the War of the Revolution ; and that if the system was 
carried out, independence would prove but an empty name. 
It was argued, that if rye could not be converted into whiskey 
without a license from government, wool could not be con- 
verted into a hat, nor a hide into boots, without their special 
permission; and that it was against just such assumptions of 



WHISKEY INSURRECTION. 267 

power that the American people had rebelled, and had con- 
tinued for seven years to pour out their blood freely, rather 
than submit to the evils and degrading consequences of British 
taxation. They had fought for liberty, and not for a change 
of masters ; and while the wounds they had received in battling 
against tyrants were scarcely yet healed, it is not astonishing 
that they should regard with abhorrence the swarm of govern- 
ment officers which every where beset them, spying into their 
domestic affairs, and demanding, with official arrogance, more 
than a tithe of their hard labor. This was too much to be 
borne by men who were imbued with the wild spirit of liberty 
which then pervaded our country. Whatever might have been 
the necessities of government, or however defensible the prin- 
ciple of direct taxation, a more critical time to make the ex- 
periment could not have been selected. Our whole country 
was agitated with political discussions. The political volcano 
which had broken out in France, and was sweeping over 
Europe like a sea of lava, threatening to overwhelm, in its 
fury, all forms of government, cast its frightful glare across 
the Atlantic, and so perverted the political vision, as to make 
law appear like tyranny, and anarchy like liberty." 

Dr. Carnahan closes his lecture on this subject with these 
judicious remarks : 

" Many important salutary lessons might be deduced from 
the nax'rative given ; but I will merely suggest a few topics 
on which each one can reflect at his leisure. 

First. — In a country so extensive as the United States, with 
such a diversity of climate and soil, leading the citizens to 
such a variety of pursuits and occupations, it appears to me 
impossible to raise a revenue to sustain the government by 
direct or internal taxation. The Constitution of the United 
States declares that " all duties, imposts and excises shall be 
uniform throughout the United States ;" that is, the same 
articles shall be taxed alike throughout our extensive terri- 
tory. The consequence will be, that taxes not felt at all in 



268 WHISKEY IXSURKECTION. 

some places, ■will press heavily on others, as did the excise on 
whiskey in Western Pennsylvania, and will tempt the people 
to rebel. We have great reason to he thankful that the du- 
ties on importations from foreign countries are sufficient to 
pay the expenses of our government. In this case, every in- 
dividual is at liberty to purchase or not to purchase foreign 
goods, and of course to pay, or not to pay, at his pleasure, 
the expenses of our General Government. 

Second. — We see the disastrous consequences of mob law : 
the innocent are as likely to suffer as the guilty. 

Third. — When a number of persons combine together to do 
wrong, reason is dethroned, and argument is of no avail. 
You may convince each individual of his error ; but he will 
not and he dare not break ranks. He is afraid of his neigh- 
bor ; and his neighbor may be as desirous as he is to back 
out, but he dare not; and this, feeling may pervade the whole 
community, and no one will dare to express his real senti- 
ments. This truth was illustrated by the Committee of 
Safety refusing to vote openly at the meeting at Browns- 
ville. 

Fourth. — In a commotion such as that in Western Penn- 
sylvania, froth and bubbles will rise to the surface of the 
agitated waters, and swell and glitter in the sunbeams for 
a short time, and then burst and vanish from the sight. 
Witness D. Bradford, and other leaders of the Western In- 
surrection. 

Fifth. — Those who are the most turbulent and outrageous 
when surrounded by a multitude agreeing with them in senti- 
ment and feeling, ai-e usually the most dastardly and sneak- 
ing when danger comes. Witness those who fled from the 
country when the army was crossing the mountains. 

Sixth. — On this occasion Washington manifested his usual 
wisdom, in calling out an army so large as to render opposi- 
tion hopeless, and by this means avoiding the effusion of 
human blood. 



THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE PICTURE. 269 

Lastly. — This occurrence was salutary as an example, 
showing that the Federal Government was not a rope of 
sand, which might be broken at the will of any section of the 
country, whenever any State or part of a State thought a 
particular law unjust or oppressive. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

THE BRIGHT SIDE OF THE PICTURE. 

We have now thrown together several topics which seemed 
to require notice in order to understand and appreciate those 
times of the Old Redstone Presbytery. In giving " the lights 
and shadows" of those days through which our fathers passed, 
we may seem to have had most to say about the "shadows." 
We have not adverted much to the brighter side. We have 
shown that all our first ministers were a very laborious set of 
men. They were the very reverse of the character given by 
the witty Dr. Jortin of a clergyman of his acquaintance : 
" invisible six days, and incomprehensible on the seventh." It 
would be a great mistake, indeed, were we to conclude, in view 
of all that has been now written, that these old ministers and 
their people were a joyless, unhappy, or gloomy race. The 
very reverse would be. more true. Though they sowed in 
tears, they reaped, even here, in joy. We have seen some 
of the fountains of consolation that were opened to them in 
the wilderness, and the streams that followed them in the 
desert. We have mentioned their communion seasons and 
their protracted meetings, even in the forts. We have ad- 
verted to their health, and that of their families, and to the 
protecting care of Divine Providence over them in all their 
journeys. We might have mentioned that in very few in- 



270 THE BRIGHT SIDE OP THE PICTURE. 

stances did our people suffer in life, or limb, or liberty, from 
their savage foes. Perhaps no entire Presbyterian family was 
ever massacred or led into captivity, though often exposed 
and in imminent danger. This is a remarkable fact that has 
often been mentioned by many yet living. We might speak 
of other sources of satisfaction and enjoyment which that 
pious race had, either in possession, or in prospect for their 
children. But the greatest of all blessings which they en- 
joyed, were the frequent and copious outpourings of the holy 
Spirit upon the churches, converting multitudes to God, and 
bringing in vast numbers of the rising youth into the church. 
We quote the following as some specimen of what we mean, 
from the "Western Missionary Magazine," for September, 
1803: — 

" In the latter part of the year 1781, the Lord began a 
gracious work in the congregations of Cross Creek and Upper 
Buffalo, under the ministry of the Rev. Joseph Smith, about 
one year after he took the pastoral care of these congrega- 
tions. During the winter season, week-day and night sermons, 
and meetings for social worship were frequent, the assemblies 
numerous and attentive, and a considerable number under 
deep convictions, with frequent instances of new awakenings. 
The summer following was remarkable for the increase of 
the awakened; although most labored long without relief. 
The few pious who were in these infant congregations were 
at this time earnestly engaged for additions to their number, 
and felt something of the pangs of travailing in birth for 
souls. Much of the spirit of prayer was poured out. In the 
latter part of this summer, the work became more glorious 
and comfortable ; numbers of the distressed souls obtained 
sweet deliverance ; and at the time the Lord's Supper was 
administered in Buffalo, in the fall of 1783, about one hun- 
dred of the subjects of this good work were admitted to com- 
munion, and many were awakened on that occasion. The 
awakening and hopeful conversion of sinners continued and 
increased through three or four years ; nor was there much 



THE BRIGHT SIDE OF THE PICTURE. 271 

appearance of a decline for six or seven years after it began. 
Within this gracious season there were many sweet, solemn 
sacramental occasions. The most remarkable of these was 
at Cross Creek, in the spring of the year 1787. It was a 
very refreshing season to the pious, a time of deliverance to 
a number of the distressed, and of awakening to many. The 
Monday evening was peculiarly and awfully solemn: some 
hundreds were bowed down and silently weeping, and a few 
crying out in anguish of soul. After the solemn disunion of 
the assembly, most of the people remained on the ground. 
The scene was very remarkable : the pious were generally 
joyful and lively, sinners greatly alarmed, and many deeply 
distressed. The people, unwilling to part, did not leave the 
place till an hour or more in the night ; when they parted 
with an appointment to meet there again the next morning. 
Thursday was indeed a solemn day. It was spent chiefly in 
exhortations and prayers by the Rev. Messrs. Smith, Dod, 
and Cornwell. The effects of this gracious visitation were 
very comfortable, producing a good harvest of souls. Up- 
wards of fifty were added to the church in these congrega- 
tions at the communion the next fall. 

Nearly about the same time in which this gracious work 
began in these congregations, the divine influences were poured 
out upon the congregations of Chartiers and Pigeon Creek, 
under the ministry of the Rev. John M'Millan ; many were 
awakened, and the pious much revived and quickened. There 
were a goodly number of judicious Christians in these congre- 
gations who actively stepped forward in their proper places, 
and were very helpful in carrying on the good work. As 
many attended from considerable distances with a great thirst 
for ordinances, it wasihought expedient to have social meet- 
ings for prayer and exhortation on the Sabbath nights ; they 
generally continued all the night ; many attended, and con- 
viction and conversion work went graciously on. Frequently 
the exercised could not suppress their feelings of joy or dis- 
tress, but gave them vent in groans and cries. There were, 



272 THE BRIGHT SIDE OF THE PICTURE. 

also, frequently week-day and night sermons and societies in 
different parts of the congregations. Thus this good work 
went on for several years ; and it is believed that many were 
brought savingly to close with Christ in these congregations. 
And it is evident, from a trial of near twenty years, that the 
work is real and genuine with respect to some hundreds in 
those two charges above stated; many of whom are now 
faithful leaders, zealous and active Christians, and pillars in 
the Church of Christ. 

In the same time, whilst this gracious work was going on 
in those places, the Lord also poured out his spirit on several 
other neighboring congregations ; particularly Bethel and 
Lebanon, under the ministry of the Rev. John Clarke ; Ten- 
mile, under the ministry of the Rev. Thaddeus Dod, and 
King's creek and Mill creek, then vacant congregations. In 
all of these places the power of God was graciously displayed, 
and many souls gathered in, who have since given evidence 
in their lives and conversation, that the work with them was 
a reality and of divine original. 

We are able to state, from particular acquaintance and 
frequent conversation with some hundreds of those who were 
exercised, during this happy season of gracious visitation in 
all the above places, that in general their distress arose from 
a deep sense of the contrariety of their hearts and lives with 
the law of God, and the awful wages of sin which they saw 
they were in imminent danger of receiving, of their utter 
indisposition to turn to God, to love his law, or to embrace 
Jesus Christ, by reason of the hardness of their hearts, 
blindness of their minds and enmity against God. The peace 
and consolations of those v/ho obtained relief, did not arise 
from a view of either their hearts or lives being less offensive 
to God, or from their having done anything recommending or 
entitling them to divine notice or favor, nor merely from a 
persuasion of God's having pardoned their sins ; but from a 
scriptural discovery of the plan of salvation, by free sove- 
reign grace, through the obedience, sufferings and death of 



THE BRIGHT SIDE OE THE PICTUKE. 273 

Jesus Christ, the God-man ; which they viewed as suitable to 
their perishing condition, and to every valuable purpose ; and 
they found their wills gained over to the cordial choice of 
this plan, and that their souls became delighted with the 
character and holy law of God." 

The writer or compiler of this instructive narrative proceeds 
to tell of the abundant effusions of divine influence, during 
the years 1795 and 1798, and thence onward, till he comes 
to the great and widely extended revival of 1802 and 1803. 
But as these periods are since the times of the Old Redstone 
Presbytery, and our object is merely to give some account 
of what the Lord did for our old ministers then, we will 
quote no further. Though the preceding account refers ex- 
clusively to the charges of Messrs. Smith, Dod, M'Millan, 
and Clarke, being intended to relate merely what had taken 
place in the then bounds of the Presbytery of Ohio — he 
might, if his range had been more extended, have given some 
very pleasing accounts of a similar work in the charges of 
Messrs. Power, Dunlap, and Finley. 

Thus the Lord comforted his people, and owned the labors 
of these men. Was not this one of the "lights" indeed, amidst 
all their shadows ? and more than compensated them for ipany 
trials and sorrows ? There are many, we trust among the 
living ministry, who would be willing to exchange circum- 
stances with these old ministers, could they possess their 
"joy in the Lord," and witness such "days of the right hand 
of the Most High." 

Among the minor circumstances of comfort, it may also be 
mentioned, that most of the members of the old Presbytery 
had the satisfaction of seeing their children all safely in the 
fold of Christ. Most of them had large families ; the daugh- 
ters of many of them became ministers' wives. Some of their 
sons entered the ministry ; as a general case, also, they had 
excellent wives, that in every way were help-meets indeed. 
Their salaries, though often not very punctually paid, espe- 
cially during the early part of their ministry, were really 
18 



274 THE BRIGHT SIDE OF THE PICTURE. 

larger, considering the times and circumstances of the people, 
than ministers now generally receive. We think this can be 
proved beyond all question, and it ought to be rung in the 
ears of all our churches in our day. Mr. Smith's salary was 
,£150 ; Mr. M'Millan's was about the same ; Mr. Power's, 
Mr. Dunlap's, and Mr. Pinley's, from £120 to £130. Now, 
when we take into consideration the cheapness of living, the 
low price of lands, and of all articles of clothing, and table 
consumption, except salt, these salaries were better to them 
than $600 now, to any of our ministers living in villages or 
in the country. Most of these ministers were able to pur- 
chase, and eventually to pay for good farms. And they did 
so with no fear that their people, finding them thus committed 
to a permanent settlement, would, on that account, be more 
tardy in paying their stipends. Now-a-days, it is, in many 
cases, rash for a minister to buy and improve even a house 
and garden. 

The plain, frugal habits of the times did not impose upon 
the ministers then, the necessity of anything further than the 
cheapest furniture and the plainest style of living. Most of 
them assisted in much of the work that was done on their 
farm^s. "With but one or two exceptions, they owned colored 
servants, both male and female, who were carefully instructed 
and kindly treated ; most of these servants were members of 
the church. This statement may surprise some readers, and 
if they are abolitionists, will be rather an unwelcome piece of 
information ; but it was truly so. At least six of the early 
ministers, and almost all their elders, were slaveholders. We 
never heard that their consciences were disturbed on the sub- 
ject. They provided well for their servants ; and those born 
after 1780, were, in due time, entitled to the benefit of the 
Act passed that year by the Legislature of Pennsylvania "for 
the gradual abolition of slavery." So far as we know, they 
all cordially responded to the sentiments of the noble pre- 
amble of that Act — drawn up by the Hon. George Bryan, 
afterwards one of the Judges of the Supreme Court, and also 



THE BRIGHT SIDE OF THE PICTURE. 275 

one of the Commissioners on the part of Pennsylvania to settle 
the boundary line between Pennsylvania and Virginia.* 

* The foUo-wing is that famous Preamble, well worth reading : 
" When we contemplate our abhorrence of that condition to which 
the arms and tyranny of Great Britain were exerted to reduce us : 
when we look back on the variety of dangers to which we have been 
exposed, and how miraculously our wants, in many instances, have been 
supplied, and our deliverances wrought, when even hope and human 
fortitude have become unequal to the conflict, we are unavoidably led 
to a serious and grateful sense of the manifold blessings which we have 
undeservedly received from the hand of that Being from whom every 
good and perfect gift cometh. Impressed with these ideas, we conceive 
that it is our duty, and we rejoice that it is in our power, to extend a 
portion of that freedom to others which hath been extended to us ; and 
release from that state of thraldom to which we ourselves were tyran- 
nically doomed, and from which we have now every prospect of being 
delivered." (This was two years before the close of the revolutionary 
war.) " It is not for us to enquire why, in the creation of mankind, 
the inhabitants of the several parts of the earth were distinguished by 
a difference in feature or complexion. It is sufficient to know that all 
are the work of the Almighty hand. We find in the distribution of the 
human species, that the most fertile as well as the most barren parts of 
the earth are inhabited by men of complexions different from ours and 
from each other : from whence we may reasonably, as well as religiously 
infer, that He who placed them in their various situations, hath ex- 
tended equally his care and protection to all, and that it becometh not 
us to counteract his mercies. We esteem it a peculiar blessing granted 
to us, that we are enabled this day to add one more step to universal 
civilization, by removing, as much as possible, the sorrows of those who 
have lived in undeserved bondage, and from which, by the authority of 
the king of Great Britain, no effectual legal relief could be obtained. 
Weaned by a long course of experience from those narrow prejudices 
and partialities we had imbibed, we find our hearts enlarged with kind- 
ness and benevolence towards men of all conditions and nations ; and 
we conceive ourselves, at this particular period, extraordinarily called 
upon by the blessings which we have received, to manifest the sincerity 
of our profession, and to give a substantial proof of our gratitude : and 
whereas the condition of those persons denominated negro and mulatto 
slaves, has been attended with circumstances which not only deprived 
them of the common blessings that they were by nature entitled to, but 
has cast them into the deepest aflictions, by an unnatural separation 
and sale of husband and wife from each other and from their children : 



2T6 . THE BRIGHT SIDE OF THE PICTURE. 

We would further state that three of these ministers \7ere 
at the meeting of the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, 
in 1788, which adopted the following (see printed Records, 
p. 540,) : " The Synod of New York and Philadelphia, do 
highly approve of the general principles in favor of universal 
liberty that prevail in America, and the interest which many 
of the states have taken in promoting the abolition of slavery ; 
yet inasmuch as men introduced from a servile state to a 
participation of all the privileges of civil society, without a 
proper education, and without previous habits of industry, 
may be, in many respects, dangerous to the community — 
therefore they earnestly recommend that masters, wherever 
they find servants disposed to make a just improvement of 
the privilege, would give them a peculium, or grant them 
sufficient time, and sufficient means of procuring their own 
liberty at a moderate rate ; that thereby they may be brought 
into society with those habits of industry, that may render 
them useful citizens ; and finally, they recommend it to all 
their people to use the most prudent measures, consistent with 
the interests, and the state of civil society, in the countries 
where they live, to promote eventually the final abolition of 
slavery in America." 

We believe our fathers generally held the sentiments ex- 
pressed by the Synod, as well as those in the Preamble to the 
Assembly's Act. 

Another thing which cheered these fathers of Western 
Presbyterianism, after a few years of trial and toil, was, that 

an injury, the greatness of which can only be conceived by supposing 
that we were in the same unhappy case. In justice, therefore, to per- 
sons so unhappily circumstanced, and who, having no prospect before 
them whereon they may rest their sorrows and their hopes, have no rea- 
sonable inducement to render their service to society, which they other- 
wise might ; and also in grateful commemoration of our own happy de- 
liverance from the state of unconditional submission to which we were 
doomed by the tyranny of Britain; — Be it, and it is hereby enacted," 
&c. — See Laws of Pennsylvania, Vol. I., p. 870. 



THE BRIGHT SIDE OF THE PICTURE. 277 

it was their privilege to introduce into the ministry a noble 
set of young ministers of their own training, possessed of a 
like spirit with themselves. Of themselves, there were only 
four at first. Soon three more were added, coming from the 
same region they had left. For four or five years there was 
no addition, from within or from without. After that, were 
licensed, first Messrs. James Hughes, and John Brice — then 
James M'Gready, and Joseph Patterson. Then Robert Mar- 
shall, then J. M'Pherrin and Samuel Porter. Then George 
Hill and William Swan — then Thomas Marquis and David 
Smith, and Boyd Mercer — twelve men, all during the last 
five years of the Old Presbytery. In this respect, the first 
seven ministers who had waited long and suffered much 
anxiety, in view of the growing vacancies and destitutions, 
were now "reaping in joy." Their new recruits had not 
received a Princeton education ; but they were a noble set of 
young men. As Doddridge justly remarks, "the course of 
education which they gave their pupils was indeed not exten- 
sive ; but the piety of those who entered into the ministry 
more than made up the deficiency." It is true, they were 
called to surrender two of these younger fellow-laborers, 
M'Gready and Marshall, who soon went forth to do a glorious 
work in Kentucky. Under the ministry of the first of these, 
began that wonderful revival that extended to Tennessee and 
Virginia and North Carolina ; and at length into all Western 
Pennsylvania and part of Ohio.* This may suffice for the 
"lights" of our picture. 

We had thought of mentioning another source of relief and 
comfort. As in their revival labors, and sometimes in their 
efforts to introduce a New Testament Psalmody — many were 
grievously offended and forsook them ; such persons did not 
generally go back into the world, or turn Unitarians or Uni- 
versalists — for such communions of error did not exist in the 
West — but they almost uniformly betook themselves into 

* See Davidson's Ecclesiastical History of Kentucky. 



278 THE BRIGHT SIDE OF TEE PICTURE. 

colder latitudes of Presbyterianism, where revivals and 
Psalmody would not disturb them, and yet where there was 
much soundness in the faith and at least a dead orthodoxy. 
This was better for them and for their children. And the 
piety and evangelical spirit of many of those churches are, 
in our day, greatly improved. Now we ought not to under- 
rate this source of relief to our fathers. In New England 
it was otherwise. One of the consequences of their early and 
even present revivals has been that they were almost certain 
to be followed by organizations of Universalism and Unita- 
rianism. Not so in the days of our fathers. 



A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH 



EEY. JAMES PINLEY. 



Ninety years ago, the country between the Laurel Hill, 
where it was crossed by the road first made for General 
Forbes' army, and the Monongahela, was an almost unbroken 
forest. To the eye of the traveller, descending the moun- 
tain, there would appear, at remote points, indications of the 
hand of civilized man, by the deadened timber, and occa- 
sionally by the rising of smoke. Two such travellers — one a 
short, ruddy man, in black clothes, apparently about forty 
years of age ; the other considerably older and stouter — might 
be seen, at that time, wending their way down the mountain. 
They would look wearied and jaded — for they had now 
travelled near 200 miles, and had slept on the bare ground 
the last two or three nights. For no human habitation had 
they seen since they entered, some 70 miles back, the great 
Appalachian chain of mountains. They are near the end of 
their journey now, and have felt the thrilling power of the 
landscape, stretching, in all directions, far towards the west, 
without a single mountain to intercept the range of their 
vision. But they have some 15 or 20 miles yet to travel 
before the sunset ; and they have no time to stop long, and 
indulge themselves in a rapturous gaze. They must get, per- 
haps, to within 8 or 10 miles of Fort Burd (Brownsville) that 
night, if possible. The elder and stouter man is an old Chester 

(279) 



280 A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF 

County farmer and fuller of cloth, by the name of Tanner ; and 
he has come out to see "the lands," and select, possibly, a 
future home for his family and himself. The other fat, ner- 
vous, red-faced little man in black, is the Rev. James Finley, 
the first minister of the gospel, if we except chaplains of 
armies, who has ever set foot on Western soil. 

He, too, designs to keep an eye upon good tracts of land, 
as suitable homes for his half dozen of promising boys, the 
oldest of whom is, perhaps, a stout lad of twelve years of age. 
But far higher and nobler views, if they have not already 
a place in the thoughts of that father, are soon to take con- 
trolling possession of his mind, and to give a new direction 
to his whole future life. He has already been preaching the 
gospel for more than fourteen years, with great acceptance 
and success. He has heard, perhaps, from some of his people, 
who have already preceded him, touching accounts of the 
moral wastes, and yet of the rising prospects of this western 
Canaan. He is, in the divine purpose, soon to be one of the 
noble pioneers of the gospel, in 'the frontier settlements ; here 
to live and toil, and weep and rejoice, through the last twelve 
years of his pilgrimage ; and then to hear from his Master 
the welcome discharge, "well done, good and faithful ser- 
vant." His noble brother, the Rev. Dr. Samuel Finley, has 
not, at this time, (1765,) much more than another year to 
live, and then to go down into the very floods of Jordan, with 
the joy of salvation in his heart, and the song of victory on his 
lips.* But James, ten years younger, after many tossings 
and trials, through many years to come, will be found labor- 
ing as a faithful pastor, at last, in this very field that, for the 
first time, opened, that morning in June, on his wondering 
view. 

But who was he ? The Rev. James Finley was born in the 
County of Armagh, in the province of Ulster, Ireland, Fe- 

* For an account of his triumphant death, see Dr. Mason's Chris- 
tian's Magazine. 



THE REV. JAMES FINLEY. 281 

bruary, 1725. To that part of the Old World, the American 
Presbyterian Church is indebted for the first man whose name 
heads the lists of her ministers, the immortal Francis M'Kemie. 
Finley, like M'Kemie, and a host of others, was the son 
of eminently pious parents, of Scottish descent. With them 
he crossed the ocean, when he had attained the age of 
nine years. His education was obtained under the direction 
of the Rev. Samuel Blair, who was himself an Irishman, but 
educated at the celebrated " Log College." He was a burn- 
ing and a shining light — a star of the first magnitude. 

When Mr. Smith settled at Fagg's Manor, he took charge, 
also, of a Classical School. In this institution was James 
Finley trained to a very accurate scholarship in the languages 
and sciences. It was the school in which, under the Rev. 
John Blair, in after years, were educated John M'Millan and 
James Power. The subject of this paper was, most probably, 
at this school, when the great revival under Mr. Smith's 
ministry began, in 1740, and continued a number of years. 
Of this remarkable work of grace we have an account in Dr. 
Alexander's "Log College." 

Whether Mr. Finley, who could not have been more than 
15 years of age at that time, was a subject of this revival, we 
have not heard. It was no doubt of great advantage to him, 
however, through all his subsequent life, thus early to have 
been in the midst of so glorious a work. When we have 
heard ministers who have been, perhaps, some years in the 
ministry, confess that they had never witnessed an extensive 
revival, we could not but feel that it was a serious disadvan- 
tage to them. But Mr. Finley enjoyed another peculiar 
privilege. About this time he travelled in company with 
Mr. Whitefield for more than two hundred miles, with no 
other view than to enjoy the benefit of his society and his 
preaching. 

After being licensed, it is supposed, by the New Castle 
Presbytery, he was by them ordained in 1752, and installed 
pastor of East Nottingham,. now called the Rock. This was 



282 A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF 

six years before the union of the Synods of New York and 
Philadelphia, which took place in 1758. His elder brother, 
Samuel Finley, was still the pastor of Nottingham, across the 
Maryland line, but adjacent to his own charge. These bro- 
thers labored in adjoining charges for nine years together ; 
for Dr. Finley was not called to the presidency of Princeton 
College till 1761. 

About eight years after the settlement of James in this 
place, his pastoral charge was enlarged, perhaps for the pur- 
pose of securing a more competent support for a growing 
family, by uniting Elk with East Nottingham. Here he la- 
bored faithfully and successfully till called to another, and 
perhaps far more important station in the Master's vineyard. 
In 1777, he had asked his Presbytery to dismiss him ; but the 
opposition of his people, enforced by the presence and tears 
of several of the congregation who attended the meeting, in- 
duced him to acquiesce at that time in the unanimons decision 
of the Presbytery to refuse his request. Five years after- 
wards, upon the death of an aged mother-in-law, he conceived 
that the strongest tie of his family to East Nottingham was 
broken, and that his way was now clear to renew his applica- 
tion for a dissolution of his pastoral relation. But his Pres- 
bytery, in view of the earnest remonstrance which his affec- 
tionate people made against his request, again felt constrained 
to yield to their wishes. His mind, however, was made up ; 
and greatly as this strong proof of attachment given to him 
by his people, perhaps many of them his spiritual children, 
must have affected him, and wrung his heart with anguish, 
he knew that mere sensibilities and tender social affections 
were not to be his guide as to his duty in this case. He ap- 
pealed to his Synod, and they dismissed him by their own 
act. And they, at least by plain implication, directed his 
Presbytery to dismiss him to the Presbytery of Redstone. 
This was at a meeting of the Synod of New York and Phila- 
delphia, May 17th, 1782. « The Synod proceeded to con- 
sider Mr. Finley's appeal from the judgment of the New 



THE REV. JAMES FINLEY. 283 

Castle Presbytery. The parties were fully heard, and the 
Synod, having deliberated on the matter, are of opinion that 
the pastoral relation between Mr. Finley and his congrega- 
tion ought to be dissolved, and they do accordingly dissolve it." 
His dismission to the Presbytery of Redstone was not finally 
granted until April 26th, 1785. 

Before this period, Mr. Finley visited Western Pennsyl- 
vania — was at the meeting of the Redstone Presbytery at 
Pidgeon Creek, March 12th, 1783 — and during that year he 
removed to the West with his family.* He was at Chartiers, 
October 19th, 1784, when this minute is found : " The Rev. 
Mr. James Finley, having been regularly dismissed from his 
former charge, and accepted a call from the two societies in 
the forks of Youghiogheny with the approbation of this Pres- 
bytery, yet being present and invited, sits as a correspond- 
ent." At this meeting, also, he was appointed to supply at 
various places : by which it appears that he was regarded by 
the Presbytery as entering regularly upon the duties of his 
ministry among them. On January 25th, 1785, when the 
Presbytery met at Rehoboth, he was still invited to sit as a 
correspondent, and had various supplies assigned to him. 

Not until June 21st, 1785, is he actually present with his 
regular dismission from the Newcastle Presbytery, when it is 
recorded that, "he having accepted a call in our bounds, 
applies to be admitted as a member of this Presbytery ; and, 
upon producing sufficient testimonials, and a dismission from 
that Presbytery, is accordingly received, and takes his seat 
as a member with us." And this is all we find in the minutes 
in the case. In truth, he had informally, and with the con- 
sent of Presbytery, no doubt, become a pastor of Rehoboth 
and Roundhill; and so he continued, without any further 

* About this time he was appointed an agent for some service, not 
mentioned, by the Supreme Executive Council of the State, to be per- 
formed in "Western Pennsylvania. His subsequent report to the Council 
was satisfactory. — See " Col, Records," Vol. XIII., p. 481. 



284 A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF 

action of Presbytery. As Dr. Hill expressed it, " we were 
not very strict in observing church rules in those days." 

Previous to his dismission from East Nottingham, he had 
made several visits to the western country. The first one we 
have already noticed. Between that time and his request to 
be dismissed from his pastoral charge, he was thrice across 
the mountains : first, in 1767, and next, in 1771 ; when he 
came, by appointment of the Synod of New York and Phila- 
delphia, to spend two months as a missionary in the West. 
Of this we have spoken in another place. Xgain, in 1772, 
he came over the mountains, bringing with him his son Ebe- 
nezer, then a lad of fourteen years of age. Him he placed 
on a farm he had purchased in Fayette County, in the bounds 
of Dunlap's Creek congregation. 

This son, about three or four years after, had a perilous 
adventure with the Indians at Fort Wallace. This place is 
supposed to have been in or near the bounds of Salem Con- 
gregation, not far from the Kiskeminetas. Young Finley had 
gone from Dunlap's Creek on a short tour of militia duty to 
this then frontier settlement, in place of Samuel Finley, who 
then lived with him, though not a relative. While this young 
man was in the fort, tidings were brought by a man on horse- 
back, in breathless haste, that Indians had made their appear- 
ance at a little distance ; that he had left two men and a 
woman on foot trying to make their way to the fort ; and 
that, unless immediately rescued or protected, they would be 
lost. Some eighteen or twenty men, and, along with them, 
young Finley, started immediately for their rescue. About 
a mile and a half from the fort, they came unexpectedly 
upon a considerable force of savages. They were, for a while, 
in the midst of them. A sharp fire began immediately, and 
a zig-zag, running fight took place. Our people making their 
way back towards the fort, numbers of them were shot down 
or tomahawked. Finley's gun would not "go off." He 
stopped for a moment to pick his flint, and fell behind. An 
Indian was seen levelling his gun at him, but was fortunately 



THE REV. JAMES EINLEY. 285 

shot down just at the moment. Being fleet of foot, he soon 
was abreast with one of his companions ; and, in passing round 
the root of a tree, by a quick motion of his elbow against his 
companion's shoulder, succeeded in passing him, when, the 
next moment, this comrade sunk under the stroke of a toma- 
hawk. A Mr. Moor, seeing Finley's imminent danger from 
a bridge on which he stood, stopped, and by his well-directed 
fire, again protected him, and enabled him to pass the bridge. 
At last, after several doublings and turnings, the Indian's 
being sometimes both in the rear and ahead of him, he reached 
the fort in safety. But the most extraordinary part of this 
matter remains to be told. Mr. Finley, the father, then at 
home, east of the mountains, three hundred miles off, had, as 
he thought, one day, a strange and unaccountable impression 
that his son was in imminent danger of some kind, but no 
distinct conception of its nature or cause. He betook him- 
self to intense and agonizing prayer for his son ; continued 
in this exercise for some time ; felt at length relieved and 
comforted, as though the danger ,was past. It was altogether 
to himself an extraordinary thing ; /Such as he had never 
before experienced. He made a note of the time. A few 
weeks afterwards, he received from his son, upon his return 
to his father's, an account of his narrow escape from death. 
The time precisely corresponded with the time of Mr. Fin- 
ley's strange experience. This is the substance of the state- 
ment we have received. Its accuracy, in its most essential 
features, may be fully relied on. What shall we say of it ? 
Mr. Finley was a man of most scrupulous veracity. We leare 
the simple statement of the case to the reflections of the 
reader. 

It is said that during the period that intervened from 1765 
— the time of his first visit to the West — to 1783, the time 
of his removal, as many as thirty-four families, consisting 
chiefly of young married persons connected with his congre- 
gation, emigrated to Western Pennsylvania, and settled 



286 A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF 

within an area, the extreme boundaries of which were not 
more than forty miles from each other. 

There was one thing somewhat remarkable in the orderings 
of Divine Providence in this case. These men had wished 
and fully intended to settle in a cluster, and thus to be near 
each other with their families. They came out, however, 
successively, as their convenience allowed, to purchase or 
enter lands. They were completely thwarted in their plans. 
No such opportunity of getting near each other was aflfoi'ded ; 
one was obliged to get a piece of land in Laurel Hill Con- 
gregation ; another, in Pigeon creek ; another, in Chartiers ; 
another in Buflfalo or Cross creek, and so on. Thus they 
became sca^ttered through almost all these young, weak 
churches, and became the very bone and sinew of them all. 
They were amongst the choicest and most efficient men, by 
their eminent piety, and by their generous efforts and contri- 
butions in sustaining all our first ministers. Some of them, 
years afterwards, as they would meet as elders at Presbytery, 
could not but advert, in conversation with one another, to this 
remarkable feature in their history. " There is that scattereth 
abroad and yet increaseth." No wonder Mr. Finley had a 
peculiarly strong hold on the affections of all his Western 
brethren. 

" The settlement of several of his children in Western 
Pennsylvania, and the removal of so many of his congrega- 
tion to that region, excited in Mr. Finley a strong desire to 
take up his abode with them. He foresaw that all his chil- 
dren would probably remove thither, and he deemed it impor- 
tant that he should be with them. He believed, moreover, 
that his own usefulness, and the spiritual interests of his^ 
family, would be promoted by such a step. He had become 
familiar with the country, having visited it every secoi|.d year, 
from the time of his son's settlement there, until that of his 
own removal thither. Hence he was led to think it his duty 
to remove to the West ; and not because he felt any dissatis- 



THE REV. JAMES FINLEY. 28T 

faction with the people of his charge, or because they did not 
afford him an adequate and comfortable support." * 

While he still resided in East Nottingham, we find, from 
the Records of the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, 
(p. 502,) that he dissented from the judgment of the Synod, 
in a case that bears an exact resemblance in its main features, 
to the celebrated M 'Queen- case, that was disposed of by the 
General Assembly, a few years ago, much in the same way. 
Mr. Finley's dissent, entered on the records at large, will be 
found to express the views and sentiments entertained by the 
commissioners from the Synod of Pittsburg, in the M'Queen 
case — and will show that Mr. Finley was a conscientious, 
firm, and fearless man, in thus proclaiming, in the face of the 
Synod, his own convictions on the subject. 

He was a man of eminent piety, and a devoted, excellent 
pastor. He was much among the people of his charge, 
visiting and teaching from house to house. He thus rendered 
himself highly acceptable and useful, and the people of his 
congregation were strongly attached to him. Of this, his 
former charge gave strong evidence by their resistance to his 
removal. 

There is one interesting fact that remains to be recorded. 
Of the 34 families above referred to, who had emigrated from 
his former charge, 22 of their heads became ruling elders in 
different churches, at their first organization in Western 
Pennsylvania. Among these were Judge Allison, Judge 
M'Dowel, and James Bradford, of Chartiers ; Henry Graham, 
Robert Barr, and James and Samuel Fleming, of Cross creek ; 
John Wright, Robert Moore, and John Powers, of Rehobath ; 
John Allen and Samuel Finley, of Laurel Hill, &c. Of his 
own sons, Ebenezer was an elder of Dunlap's creek; and 
Joseph, Michael, and William have long held the same office 
in Rehobath. Joseph and William still survive, waiting, at a 
very advanced age, their call to follow departed friends, who 

* Appendix to Life of Macurdy. 



288 A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF 

now inherit the promises. Mr. Finley himself was called 
home, January 6th, 1795. His last vrords were exhortations 
to his children to attend, ahove all, to the interests of their 
souls that "were of infinite worth." This expression was the 
last that passed his lips.* 

His attention to the catechetical instruction of the youth 
of his congregation was remarkable. In his own family, he 
was no less careful. He had a considerable number of colored 
people. Their children he sent to the same school with his 
own. They were alike examined, sabbath evenings, on the 
subject of the sermons and discourses which they had heard, 
and were required to recite the shorter catechism along with 
his own children. All his colored people were uniformly re- 
quired to attend family worship. In his Will, he took special 
care to provide for them their future homes and support. He 
left, also, a small bequest to Jefferson College, for assisting 
poor and pious youth preparing for the ministry. 

Dr. Alexander, in his " Log Cabin," states that " he was 
reckoned to be eminently pious, and continued laboriously to 
preach the gospel until an advanced period of life. His latter 
years were spent in the western part of Pennsylvania, where 
he died a few years before the close of the last century. The 
writer remembers to have seen him at a meeting of the Synod 
of Virginia, in 1789. He was one of the pioneers, who, 
amidst many hardships and privations, carried the gospel to 
the settlers round about Pittsburg, and was the companion 
and coadjutor of such men as M'Millan, Joseph Smith, Power, 

* This concern for the spiritual •welfare of his children, which he dis- 
played with his dying breath, was illustrated through his whole life by 
another circumstance of touching interest : it was his custom to devote 
a special day, along with his wife, to fasting and prayer ; some short 
time after the birth of each of his children, with reference to its con- 
version and salvation. This, we believe, was the practice with several 
of our early ministers and their wives. It was the practice also of Mr. 
Finley's parents, as will be seen in some notices of the Rev. Dr. Samuel 
Finley, in the Missionary Magazine, Vol. I., p. 336. 



. THE REV. JAMES FINLET. 289 

Patterson, Dod, Dunlap," &;c. "Precious in the sight of tho 
Lord is the death of his saints.' 

Note. — In a previous note we have referred to Mr. Finley's appoint- 
ment by the Supreme Executive Council of the State, in 1783. The fol- 
lowing extract from the " Colonial Kecords," vol. 13th, pp. 481 and 
617, will explain this matter : 

" Philadelphia, January 16th, 1783. — A letter from John M'Dowell, 
Esq., of the 3d instant, acquainting the Council that the Rev. Mr. Fin- 
ley will undertake a journey to the Western frontiers, on the business 
which Council had requested him to communicate to that gentleman. 
Ordered that the Secretary write to the Honorable John M'Dowell, and 
inform him that Council approve of the Rev. Mr. Finley as a very pro- 
per person for the said business, and that Council wish to see him be- 
fore he sets out.^' 

Then, vol. 13th, p. 617: , 

" Philadelphia, July 1st, 1783. — A letter from the Rev. James Fin- 
ley, stating his proceedings, under the direction of Council, in the 
Western Counties of this State, was received, and the Secretary directed 
to express the approbation of the Board." 

There will also be found, in " Colonial Records," vol. 15th, p. 472, 
the following passage, which, probably, refers to the subject of the fore- 
going Memoir : 

"June 14th, 1788. — A letter from James Finley, of Westmoreland 
County, requesting Council to accept his resignation of the offices of 
Justices of the Peace and of the Court of Common Pleas, of the said 
County, was read ; whereupon it was resolved, that the said resignation 
be accepted." 

We have never heard that Mr. Finley acted as Associate Judge of 
Westmoreland County. But the office might have been tendered to him. 
One of our ministers, the Rev. Boyd Mercer, was, for many years, an 
Associate Judge of Washington County. 



19 



CHAPTER IX. 

THE VIEWS AND PRACTICE OF OUR FATHERS ON PSALMODY. 

It may be satisfactory to some of our readers to know what 
were the principles held, and the practice adopted, during the 
period of the old Presbytery, on the subject of Psalmody. It 
has been often said, that Presbyterians of the present day are 
a very degenerate race on this subject, and have apostatized 
from the princij)les held by our early fathers and founders of 
the western church. What were their views on this subject ? 
As nothing on the subject of Psalmody is recorded in their 
minutes, can we otherwise ascertain what they believed, and 
how they felt, on this subject ? We certainly think we can. 
Let it be remembered, then, that they were all members of 
the Synod of New York and Philadelphia ; and, from the pe- 
riod of their ordination, were generally in attendance on its 
sessions till they removed to the West — and afterwards, most 
of them in turns. Now, what were the views entertained and 
expressed by the Synod, and of course by themselves, so far 
as we can now know ? We find no dissent, no protest from 
any of them, at least, and have a right to infer their acqui- 
escence, if not their cordial concurrence. About eighteen 
years before the organization of the Presbytery of Redstone, 
the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, in 1763, recorded 
the following minute : 

"A query was brought in, in these words — 'As sundry 
members and congregations within the bounds of our Synod, 
judge it most for their edification to sing Dr. Watts' imitation 
of David's Psalms, does the Synod so far approve said imi- 
tation of David's Psalms, as to allow such ministers and their 
congregations the liberty of using them ?' As a great number 

290 



ABOUT PSALxMODY. 291 

of this body have never particularly considered Dr. Watts' 
imitation, they are not prepared to give a full answer to the 
question ; yet, as it is well approved by many of this body, 
the Synod have no objection to the use of said imitation by 
such ministers and congregations as incline to use it, until 
the matter of Psalmody be further considered. And it is 
recommended to the members of this body to be prepared to 
give their sentiments respecting this subject at our next 
meeting." 

Now, Mr. Clark and Mr. Finley were members present at 
that Synod — the two oldest of those who afterwards removed 
to Western Pennsylvania — and, indeed, the only ones then 
ordained. But let us -go to the next meeting of Synod in 
1764. 

Here we find this record, (p. 338, Rec): "The question 
respecting Psalmody came to be considered ; and after much 
discourse on the subject, the Synod do judge that they are 
not at present prepared to give a final answer thereto, and 
that it is most for the edification of the church to defer it to 
the next Synod. In the meantime, we do confirm the agree-:, 
ment of the last Synod, and allow those congregations who 
find it most expedient to continue in the use of Dr. Watts' 
imitation till the matter be further considered and deter- 
mined." 

At the next meeting of Synod, in 1765, we find the follow- 
ing record: "After some consideration of the query concern- 
ing the use of Dr. Watts' imitation of the Psalms, the Synod 
judged it best, in present circumstances, only to declare that 
they look on the inspired Psalms in Scripture to be proper 
matter to be sung in divine worship, according to their ori- 
ginal design and the practice of Christian churches, yet will 
not forbid those to use the imitation of them, whose judgment 
and inclination leads them to do so." 

Here are the views of the Synod for three successive years, 
at that early period. Then eight entire years pass before 
they say anything further on the subject. The next minute 



292 ABOUT PSALMODY. 

is in 1773. "An appeal was brought in by several members 
of the second Presbyterian congregation in this city, from a 
judgment of the first Philadelphia Presbytery, confirming the 
judgment of the session of the second Presbyterian church, 
with respect to the introduction of Dr. Watts' imitation of 
the Psalms into public worship ; and, as the moderator was a 
member of the Presbytery from whose judgment they appealed, 
he left the chair, and Mr. Joseph Treat took his place. The 
case was stated, the minutes of the Presbytery read, and the 
parties fully heard, and withdrew. The Synod, after consi- 
dering the matter, declare that with respect to the judgment 
of the Presbytery, .ul though it appears to be drawn up with 
great caution and tenderness, yet they do not think it proper 
finally to judge and decide upon it at present, but appoint 
Dr. Witherspoon, Dr. Rodgers, Mr. Strain, and Mr. M'Whor- 
ter, a committee to converse with the parties in the congre- 
gation who difier about Psalmody, and report to the Synod 
to-morrow afternoon." — (P. 447.) 

Accordingly we have their report, the whole of which we 
need not give, but only what is relevant to the point of our 
enquiry, which is as follows, (p. 449): "As^ there is not now 
time to consider fully the different versions of the Psalms in 
question, and there are minutes of the Synod formerly which 
countenance congregations in determining this matter accord- 
ing to their own choice, they cannot make any order to forbid 
the practice now begun. Which, being considered, was ap- 
proved, and the Synod on this occasion think proper earnestly 
to recommend to both parties peace and harmony, and to for- 
bear all harsh expressions and sentiments, and, in particular, 
that neither of them intimate that either of the versions in 
question is unfit to be sung in Christian worship." 

We pass over twelve years more, till 1785, when all the 
old seven members of the Redstone Presbytery are now also 
members of the Synod of New York and Philadelphia. At 
their sessions, that year, " A motion was made in the follow- 
ing terms, viz : Whereas the nearest uniformity that is prac- 



ABOUT PSALMODY. 293 

ticable in the external modes of Divine Worsliip is to be 
desired, and the using different books of psalmody is matter 
of offence, not only to Presbyterians of different denomina- 
tions, but also to many congregations under our care ; it is 
queried if the Synod might not choose out, and order some 
of their number to take the assistance of all the versions in 
our power, and compose for us a version more suitable to our 
circumstances and tastes than we yet have ;" which having 
been read and seconded, after some consideration thereon, 
the question was put whether to appoint a committee or to 
defer, and was carried by a small majority to appoint. 
Whereupon Dr. Allison, Dr. Davidson, Dr. Ewing, Mr. Blair, 
and Mr. Jones were appointed a committee for that purpose, 
who are to make report of their diligence herein at our next 
meeting." The following year this committee reported " that 
they had paid attention to the affair, but had not yet com- 
pleted it." (p. 522.) Next year (1787), " The Synod did 
allow, and do hereby allow that Dr. Watts' imitation of 
David's Psalms, as revised by Mr. Barlow, be sung in the 
churches and families under their care." At the same 
meeting the Synod adopted the following — " The Synod have 
allowed the use of the imitation of the Psalms of David for 
many years, to such congregations as chose them, and still 
allow of the same ; but they are far from disapproving of 
Rouse's version, commonly called the Old Psalms, in those 
who were in the use of them and chose them, but are of 
opinion that either may be used by the churches, as each 
congregation may judge most for their peace and edification; 
and therefore highly disapprove of public, severe, and un- 
christian censures being passed upon either of the systems 
of psalmody, and recommend it to all ministers in those parts 
of the church, to be more tender and charitable on these 
heads." This was their language, in reference to the Pres- 
bytery of Abingdon, where troubles at that time existed. 
We believe it very precisely expresses the views of the mem- 
bers of the Old Presbytery of Redstone. At that meeting, 



294 > ABOUT PSALMODY. 

Messrs. Finley, M'Millan, Power, and Barr, of this Presbytery, 
were present, and we have no doubt voted for its adoption. 
In the next, and last year of the meeting of that old Synod 
(in 1788), we find nothing on their minutes. But it was then 
that all the parts of our old Confession of Faith were finally 
considered, adopted and ratified. And in the Directory for 
worship which they then approved and adopted, the first sen- 
tence of Chapter IV., (of singing of Psalms,) is, " It is the 
duty of Christians to praise God, by singing psalms or hymns, 
publicly in the church, and also privately in the family." 
Now this Directory, the Presbytery of Redstone did virtually 
if not explicitly, approve and adopt. From the review which 
we have now given of the action of the Synod of New York 
and Philadelphia, through a period of twenty-five years, can 
there be any doubt about the views of our fathers on the 
subject of Psalmody ? But what was their practice ? In 
their own families, we believe, they used Watts' Psalms and 
Hymns generally. But in their congregations, they wisely 
acted in conformity with the sentiments last quoted from the 
records of the Synod. Where the way was clear, and not 
likely to distract or divide the people, Watts' version and 
hymns were introduced. When it was otherwise. Rouse's 
version continued in use. Perhaps in a majority of cases, 
for the sake of peace, this was the case, till some time after 
that' old Presbytery ceased to exist. In some places, a com- 
promise was adopted. They would begin with an old psalm, 
and conclude with a psalm from Watts' version, or with a 
hymn. This was a favorite method in several of the churches. 
But though Dr. Power used Watts in his family, he yielded 
to the preferences of his people in the use of Rouse in public 
worship. The lines were "given out" by a precentor, or 
clerk as he was called. Dr. Power's clerk used to give out 
one line at a time, and always, in so doing, sounded the last 
syllable on a dead level with the first note of that part of the 
tune, prolonging the sound a little, so as to slide gracefully 
and imperceptibly into the singing. To a stranger, the efi'ect 



ABOUT PSALMODY. 295 

was rather ludicrous. But he was considered a great master 
of his business, especially by the older people. But we trust 
they have all gone where they sing the song of Moses and 
the Lamb. 

In Mr. Dod's congregation on Ten-mile, a New Testament 
psalmody was always used. These emigrants from New 
Jersey had been accustomed to sing no other in tbeir native 
state. Mr. Dod was often congratulated by his brethren, 
especially by Mr. Smith, on account of his release from any 
trouble on that score. It seems probable that though in 
Buffalo and Cross creek, House's version was used, either 
wholly, or in part, on the Sabbath day — Watts' Psalms and 
Hymns were used at their prayer meeting. For there is a 
tradition that at one of these meetings, Mr. Porter was 
greatly troubled upon hearing them sing with great animation 
— "Let those refuse to sing who never knew our God," &c., 
and was constrained to join with them in that service ; re- 
marking afterwards, that when he hoard those words, he said 
to himself, " If my conscience won't let me sing, I'll wring its 
neck." 

Though we hope that our church will " stand fast in the 
liberty, wherewith Christ has set them free," and will always 
in their singing, as in their prayers and preaching, confess 
that "Jesus is the Christ" — an essential element of Christian 
faith — we would, nevertheless, be glad that our Board of 
Publication would not only publish the Old Version, as we 
believe they have done, but an edition of our Assembly's 
Book of Psalms and Hymns with a larger variety of the old 
psalms ; either separately or mingled with the others. 

It ought not to be forgotten or overlooked, that the intro- 
duction of a New Testament Psalmody, the necessary exer- 
cise of church discipline, and the faithful, and searching, and 
scorching preaching of our early ministers were the three 
causes, sometimes separate, and sometimes combined — of 
driving many from the pale of our communion and of strength- 
ening other branches of the Presbyterian family. The 



296 ABOUT PSALMODY. 

Covenanters, Seceders, and Associate Reformed, received 
considerable recruits from our ranks in this way — especially 
the two latter. However they may "squirm" under the 
statement, and question its truth, it is capable of perfect 
demonstration ! But we mean nothing unkind in the state- 
ment. In earlier times great deadness and formality prevailed 
in some of their churches, but not greater, perhaps, than is 
now found in some Presbyterian churches. Even gross 
clerical irregularities were tolerated. Some of these bodies 
violently opposed the revivals of religion which at different 
times prevailed in the Presbyterian churches. They were all 
ready to receive, with open arms, those who found revival 
scenes too warm for their consciences. 

That there has been a great improvement in vital piety in 
all these churches, we firmly believe. No longer now would 
an elder lead off the dance in a social party. A half-intoxi- 
cated minister would not now be suffered to preach. It was 
better for our renegades, at least for their families, that they 
should get into these churches — than into Unitarian or Uni- 
versalist societies. In this respect, we had the advantage of 
our New England churches. 



A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH 



EEY. JOHN CLAEK 



When we advert to the times of the founders and fathers 
of our Western Zion, and endeavor, in imagination, to look in 
upon them, when met together to consult about the interests 
of the church, we are apt to fancy we see a group of venerable 
gray-haired men sitting together, and engaged in their Pres- 
byterial business. We are mistaken. Five of them are just 
in the early prime of manhood. Yet two of them begin to 
wear the marks of age. One of them, however, being of a 
fresh, ruddy complexion, does not appear to be over forty- 
five, though he is near, if not quite, sixty years of age. This 
is Mr. Finley. But there is another older than he, wearing 
a large white wig — the only wigged clergyman we ever had.* 
He has come out to the West, in his sixty-fourth year, to 
spend his old age amidst the hardships and trying scenes, 
for which the vigor of youth would be better adapted. But 
he has fourteen years yet to^ive, and they are not to be spent 
in " otio cum dignitate," but with the harness on, and in ar- 
duous labors in his Master's service, to the very verge of life. 
Such a man claims a respectful notice. 

* This peruke, or big white wig, excited some prejudice against Mr 
Clark. The Rev. Dr. "Wylie will be reminded of his feelings in the case, 
when he reads in the Life of Dr. Alexander, p. 97, how Dr. Green's wig, 
in 1791, excited the prejudices of the then youthful Alexander. 

(297) 



298 A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF 

The Rev. John Clark was born in the year 1718, and the 
place of his nativity, though not certainly known, is supposed 
to be somewhere in the State of New Jersey. The place of 
his first labors was in the Forks of Delaware. In a brief his- 
tory of the Churches of Allentown and Tehicken, it is said, 
that, on the IBth of October, 1762, he was installed as the 
second pastor of those Churches. It is farther said, that he 
graduated at Nassau Hall, Princeton, in the year 1759, and 
was taken under the care of the Presbytery of New Bruns- 
wick, November 30th, 1759. And when licensed by them, 
on the 9th of May, 1760, was sent to supply the Churches of 
Tehicken, Allentown and Upper Mount Bethel. It is worthy 
of notice, that the time which elapsed between J^is graduation 
and licensure, if the history be correct, was very short ; and, 
in view of it, we would be led to suppose that he either must 
have prosecuted his theological studies, to some extent, prior 
to his graduation, or that the necessities of the Church must 
have been very urgent, to warrant so short a course of pre- 
paratory study." 

It is possible that the true solution of the matter is, that it 
was done by the New Brunswick Presbytery, which, though 
now in good standing in the Synod of New York and Phila- 
delphia, had been long chargeable with such irregularities, 
and at an earlier period had, for these and other alleged 
offences, been excluded from the Synod. This was prior to 
the disruption of the Synod, in 1745. It is not unlikely they 
still continued somewhat lax, in their notions and practice, 
on this subject. 

" In the following October, a call from these Churches was 
presented to him ; and he took the matter into serious con- 
sideration. No further mention is made of this call ; but it is 
stated that the Presbytery, believing that it would be of great 
service to the Church, and the interests of religion, ordained 
him as an evangelist, at Bethlehem, New Jersey, April 29th, 
1761, and directed him to supply the Churches of Oxford, 
New Jersey, and Smithfield, on the Forks of the Delaware, 



THE EEY. JOHN CLARK. 299 

in Pennsylvania. On the 28th of May following, he was dis- 
missed from the Presbytery of New Brunswick, and joined 
the Presbytery of Philadelphia on the 12th of August, 1761. 
At that time he received a call to the Forks, but did not ac- 
cept it until the next meeting of Presbytery, on the 17th of 
November following. At this time opposition to his settle- 
ment was made, and the dissatisfied party was heard at the 
bar of the Presbytery. The special ground of objection is 
not stated, and we are left in the dark, or to idle conjecture, 
as to its nature. The commissioners were then asked if they 
could support him without the aid of the dissentient party, 
and their reply was in the affirmative. Whereupon liberty 
was granted them to prosecute their call, and Mr. Clark was 
installed October 13th, 1762, over the two congregations of 
the Forks, with a salary of X80 per annum, and the use of a 
parsonage. 

" After some time troubles occurred, which were brought 
before the Presbytery October 22d, 1766, and the advice 
given, that the matter be dropped. Here, again, the special 
grounds of grievance are not stated, further than a general 
charge of misrepresentation. It seems probable that some 
leaven of dissatisfaction had been working in the breasts of 
some during the whole period of his labors there." 

Perhaps it may be traced to his earlier theological training, 
and his inadequate preparation. For however successfully a 
minister may eventually repair such deficiencies, they are apt 
to bring him into trouble during the younger part of his 
ministry. 

" Mr. Clark then gave reasons why he wished to be re- 
leased from the pastoral care of Upper Mount Bethel, inas- 
much as eighteen persons were found united against him in 
the general charge already mentioned. The Presbytery pro- 
nounced the paper disorderly, and refused to release him. In 
the following April, some of the signers of this paper renewed 
their charge against him, and asked Presbytery to have Mr. 
Clark tried at their bar. The Presbytery refused their re- 



300 A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF 

quest on the ground that no sufficient reason appeared for 
such a course. But to heal, if possible, the difficulties, the 
Rev. Mr. Beatty and Mr. Ramsay were sent as a committee 
to bring the parties together, and promote peace. Of the 
success of this committee in the matter referred to them, we 
know nothing. It has been related, by a late writer, as an 
historical incident, that the only Indian massacres of which 
there is any tradition, occurred in that congregation during 
the time that Mr. Clark was pastor. It may be remarked, 
that a writer in the Presbyterian of July, 1847, states, ' Of 
the Rev. John Clark, no tradition now exists in the settle- 
ment — a very few aged persons remain who were baptized in 
infancy by Mr. Clark.' 

" On account of bodily weakness, Mr. Clark resigned the 
pastoral charge of these churches Nov. 3d, 1767, and went, 
soon after, to labor, as he was able, within the bounds of the 
Presbytery of Newcastle. On the 27th of December, 1769, 
he was called to be the pastor of Bethel Church, in Upper 
Node Forest, Baltimore County. Here he remained a few 
years. But transition seems to have been his lot; for in 
1775, the pastoral relation was again dissolved. He remained 
at Bethel as a stated supply till 1781, when he removed to 
the West. In this year he became a supply, and, shortly 
after, the pastor, of the United Congregations of Bethel and 
Lebanon, at that time under the care of the Presbytery of 
Redstone. Of the amount of support promised him, the cha- 
racter of his ministrations, his acceptability to the people, 
and success in his work, in these congregations, we have com- 
paratively but little information. It is generally known, to 
those advanced in life, that at the era of his settlement here 
he was past the meridian of life, and of very feeble health ; 
but in appearance, grave, sedate, and venerable ; and as a 
preacher, solemn and impressive. He died July 13th, 1797. 
What has been called the 'Whiskey Insurrection,' occurred, 
in part, in the bounds of his congregations ; and when the 
attack was about to be made on General Neville's house by 



THE REV. JOHN CLARK. 301 

five hundred of the insurgents, he, as a man of God, besought 
them to desist, but in vain." 

Mr. Findley, in his "History of the Insurrection," giving 
an account of the meeting held at Couche's Fort, in the 
Mingo Creek settlement, states (page 85), " While they were 
deliberating what was best to be done, the Rev. Mr. Clark, a 
venerable and very old clergyman, expostulated with them on 
the impropriety of the enterprise, and used his utmost endea- 
vours to dissuade them from it." Again the same historian, 
in a conference held with the President on the part of David 
Redick and himself, who were sent for this purpose, states 
(page 182), "We mentioned, as another ground of our confi- 
dence, the industry of the clergy in promoting submission to 
the laws, and stated several instances of it," &c. There can 
be no doubt he alludes in part, though he does not expressly 
mention it, to the course pursued by Mr. Clark. There was 
an extensive revival of religion, under his ministry, in the 
year 1787, of which some notice is taken in the " Western 
Missionary Magazine," for September, 1803.^ The forego- 
ing account of Mr. Clark, the Nestor of the Presbytery of 
Redstone, is taken mainly from a sermon preached in Bethel 
Church by the Reverend George Marshall, the present pastor, 
and afterwards published. 

The following brief account of the only remaining one of 
those seven men who, for a number of years, composed the 
clerical members of the Old Redstone Presbytery, is taken 
from Dr. Elliot's Appendix to the "Life of Macurdy :" 

"The Rev. James Dunlap, D.D., was a native of Chester 
County, Pennsylvania, and was graduated at the College of 
New Jersey in 1773. He studied divinity with the Rev. 

* It is said that the singing in Mr. Clark's meetings was unusually 
good ; owing, greatly, to the uncommon vocal powers of a pious colored 
woman belonging to Mr. C. Her voice, which was very sweet and 
melodious, could be heard above the voices of all the congregation. He 
had also a colored man, Dave, whose bass alone w.as sufficient for a large 
congregation. 



302 A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF 

James Finley, of East Nottingham, and was licensed to 
preach the gospel by the Presbytery of Donegal, some time 
between 1776 and 1781. (Printed Records, p. 491.) He 
was ordained, sine titulo, by the Presbytery of Newcastle, 
August 21st, 1781, at Fagg's Manor, and shortly afterwards 
removed to Western Pennsylvania, where he became a member 
of the Presbytery of Redstone, and settled in the congrega- 
tions of Laurel Hill and Dunlap's Creek ; of which he was 
installed the pastor, October 15th, 1782." This statement 
is probably founded on the following minute in the Records 
of the Presbytery at Dunlap's Creek, October 25th, 1782 : 
" The Rev. James Dunlap, formerly a member of the New- 
castle Presbytery, having accepted a call in our bounds, now 
applies to be admitted as a member of this Presbytery ; and 
upon producing sufficient testimonials, and a dismission from 
that Presbytery, is accordingly received, and takes his seat 
as a member of this." As to his installation, there is no 
account of it whatever, either then or afterwards. This was 
the case as to all the others. A formal installation in the 
congregation, and a charge to the people, were matters of a 
much later date. " The connection with the latter congrega- 
tion was dissolved April 22d, 1789 ; and with the former, 
June 29th, 1803 ; when he was dismissed to connect himself 
with the Presbytery of Ohio. It was in this year (1803), 
that he became the President of Jefferson College, Canons- 
burg; which station he held until 1811. During that period 
(a. d. 1807), the Board of Trustees conferred on him the 
degree of D.D. In connection with his labors in the college, 
he preached to the congregation of Miller's Run, and finally 
resigned his charge of it, on account of growing infirmities 
and inability to discharge to them the duties of a pastor. In 
October, 1813, he again became a member of the Presbytery 
of Redstone, having removed within their bounds; and in 
October, 1816, was dismissed to connect himself with the 
Presbytery of Philadelphia. About the same time, he re- 
moved to Abingdon, near Philadelphia, where his son, the 



THE REV. JAMES DUNLAP. 303 

Rev. William Dunlap, resided, and where he died, November 
22d, 1818, in the seventy-fifth year of his age. He is repre- 
sented to have been a very pious man, and a fine scholar.* 
He was especially distinguished for his accurate attainments 
in classical literature." He seemed to have the classics com- 
pletely in his memory ; for he could hear long recitations in 
Virgil, Homer, &c., without a book in his hand, and then 
thoroughly drill the reciting class ; asking all the questions 
as to words, sentences, &c., while walking to and fro, with his 
hands behind his back — his usual position on such occasions. 
" His eldest daughter was married to the Rev. Stephen Boyer, 
of the Presbytei-y of Newcastle." 

This is, indeed, rather a meagre account of this excellent 
man, who was so long associated with his brethren in the Red- 
stone ^Presbytery, and shared with them largely in their trials 
and conflicts ; and who for many years presided over Jefferson 
College, and aided in training a vast number of valuable men 
in all the various walks of professional life. But our want 
of materials for minuter details must plead our apology. 

* Soon after his settlement in Dunlap's Creek, at the close of the 
forenoon service, one Sabbath, after announcing a second service, with 
the usual intermission, and after pronouncing the benediction, he with- 
drew, and, in a state of despondency and dejection, retired, unobserved, 
to his own house, some half-mile or more off; whither some of the 
elders traced him, and, with much persuasion, succeeded in bringing 
him back ; when he preached with considerable liberty. 

As to his eminent scholarship, tradition relates that a very difficult 
passage in one of the Latin or Greek classics had passed round among 
some half-dozen or more of American colleges, without meeting with 
any one who could satisfactorily explain it, or render it into our lan- 
guage, when Dr. Dunlap took it up, and very promptly disposed of it 
to the entire satisfaction of all who were capable of judging in the 
matter. 



CHAPTER X. 

EARLY TROUBLES OF OUR MINISTERS AND PEOPLE, ABOUT 
THE STATE BOUNDARIES. 

The contrbversy between Pennsylvania and Virginia, about 
their boundary line had, indeed, commenced as early as 1752. 
But it did not assume a threatening aspect, till during the 
few years immediately previous to the American Revolution. 
Virginia relied upon a charter granted by James the First, 
which was broad enough in its terms to cover nearly one 
half of this continent — although the company to which it 
was made, had been dissolved by a judgment on a writ of 
Quo Warranto, and although the lands had reverted to the 
crown. Pennsylvania, or rather the Penns, claimed under a 
charter from Charles the Second, in 1681, which assigns the 
Delaware river as the eastern boundary, and then says, " said 
lands to extend westward five degrees in longitude, to be 
computed from the said eastern bounds." Under this charter, 
the Penns contended that Pennsylvania extended several 
miles west of Fort Pitt ; while on the other hand, it was con- 
tended that Virginia embraced not only Pittsburg, but all 
the country east of it, to the Laurel Hill. As the period of 
the Revolution approached, the dispute became more violent. 
Lord Dunmore, governor of Virginia, would listen to no 
terms of compromise, though the commissioners of Pennsyl- 
vania even oiFered to make the Monongahela the boundary 
line. Fort Pitt, and almost the entire country now embraced 
by Alleghany, Westmoreland, Green, and Fayette counties, 
were under the control of Virginia officers, civil and military. 
Colonel Connolly, a man thoroughly devoted to Lord Dun- 
more and his views, then ruled it with a high hand at Fort Pitt. 
In a letter from -^neas Mackay to Governor Penn, written 

(304) 



ExVRLY TROUBLES ABOUT STATE BOUNDARIES. 305 

at this time, we find this strong and emphatic language : 
" The deplorable state of affairs in this part of your govern- 
ment is truly distressing. We are robbed, insulted, and 
dragooned by Connolly and his militia, in this place and its 
environs." So far was this matter carried, that a party of 
armed men under command of Connolly, went to Hanna's- 
town, and released two prisoners, confined in the jail under 
execution ; and a few months after, another party repeated 
the act, releasing three prisoners. Three of the magistrates 
also of Pennsylvania were arrested and held in custody for 
performing the duties of their office. The continued collisions 
and disorders at Pittsburg and throughout Western Pennsyl- 
vania, could not fail to attract the attention of all the patriotic 
citizens of the two states — and on the 25th 'of July, 1775, 
the delegates in Congress, including among others, Thomas 
Jefferson, Patrick Henry, and Benjamin Franklin, united in 
a circular, urging the people in the disputed region, to mutual 
forbearance. In that circular was the following language : 
" We recommend it to you, that all bodies of armed men, 
kept up by either party, be dismissed ; and that all those on 
either side, who are in confinement, or on bail, for taking 
part in the contest, be discharged." As there were no armed 
men maintained by the Pennsylvanians, the expression "either 
party" was probably only used to avoid any invidious dis- 
tinction. 

The war of the Revolution for a considerable period sus- 
pended the excitement and the dispute, and though a military 
officer. Captain John Neville, came out with a small force and 
occupied Fort Pitt under the authority of the government of 
Virginia — he appears to have been a prudent man and soon 
allayed the jealousies which his presence at first excited. It 
seems to have been gradually understood on both sides, that 
it was wiser for them to defer, till a more auspicious period, 
the settlement of the boundary line, and to unite all their 
zeal and energies in the common cause of their country, to 
whose interests they were alike devoted. It would not be 
20 



306 EARLY TROUBLES ABOUT STATE BOUNDARIES. 

easy indeed to determine which party were the •rt'armest whigs, 
or which expended most, in sufferings and blood, for the cause 
of American Independence. That cause once secured, it 
was their interest and their desire, that all further trouble 
about disputed territory, and conflicting jurisdictions should 
be brought to a peaceful issue. Under the kinder feelings, 
produced by united resistance to Great Britain, movements 
were made as early as 1779, to bring the question to an 
amicable settlement. For this purpose, George Bryan, the 
Rev. Dr. John Ewing, and David Rittenhouse on the part of 
Pennsylvania ; and Dr. James Madison, late Bishop of the 
Protestant Episcopal church in Virginia, and Robert Andrews, 
on the part of Virginia, were appointed commissioners to 
agree upon a boundary. These gentlemen met at Baltimore, 
on the 31st of August, 1779, and entered into a preliminary 
agreement to run the southern boundary, from the river 
Delaware along Mason and Dixon's line — the old line between 
Pennsylvania and Maryland — five degrees west ; and thence 
by a meridian line from the extremity of this line (Mason 
and Dixon's, extended), to the northern limit of the state — 
to be the western boundary of Pennsylvanian forever. The 
legislatures of the two states concurred in this ; and nothing 
was left but the actual drawing of the line — which was done 
in 1784, by the commissioners. Thus forever was settled 
this long dispute, giving to Pennsylvania what perhaps few 
of the people interested expected, not only Pittsburg and its 
environs and all Alleghany and Westmoreland counties — but 
all Washington, Fayette, and Green counties. It seems a pity 
now, that what is called the Panhandle of Virginia, including 
at least Hancock and Brook counties, could not have been 
included. But this was out of the questiora. The Virginians, 
no doubt, thought they had much the hardest of the bargain, 
as it was. 

But while this contest lasted, it contributed much to dis- 
tract our people, and to turn away their minds from their 
spiritual interests. Yet we cannot doubt that one indirect 



OTHER EVANGELICAL BODIES IN THE WEST. 307 

advantage flowed from this conflict for the West, between the 
two States, They both contributed more cheerfully to aid in 
protecting it against the French and Indians, and afterwards 
against the British. "We doubt whether either of the govern- 
ments would have done as much for this country, had the line 
been early settled. Again, it brought out two streams of 
emigration from these States, and filled up the country much 
sooner with a thriving population, and promoted, more rapidly, 
the progress of converting the western wilderness into thriving 
farms, and, at length, into happy homes. "Per damna, per 
caedes, ab ipso, ducit opes, animumque ferro." — Horace. 



CHAPTEE XI. 

OTHER EVANGELICAL BODIES IN THE WEST. 

The ■ historical sketch we have attempted, of the early 
efforts of our Church to spread the gospel through what, at 
length, became the field of the Redstone Presbytery, has not 
been given with a view of making an impression, that Pres- 
byterians monopolized this work of faith and labor of love. 

The Seceders early began their efibrts to organize Churches 
in Washington County, and to supply them with the stated 
ministrations of the gospel. At a very early period, a dis- 
tinguished minister of that denomination, Mr. Henderson, 
was settled near Canonsburg.* The Rev. John Anderson, of 

* "The Key. Matthew Henderson was the first minister of the Asso- 
ciate Church settled west of the Allegheny mountains, where he was 
settled a number of years previous to the Union of 1782." 

" A strong current of emigration had already set in from the Eastern 
to the Western parts of Pennsylvania. Many who understood and were 
attached to the principles of the Associate Church, were amoug the ami- 



808 OTHER EVANGELICAL BODIES IN THE WEST. 

King's Creek, -who had received his theological training, in 
part, from the celebrated John Brown, of Haddington, ^yas 
one of their first ministers. We have not access to any 
work, however, that would enable us to extend this notice of 
that respectable branch of the Presbyterian family, in their 
first efforts among the frontier settlers. 

/ The Baptists were early in the field, also, and labored with 
diligence and zeal, and great success, especially in what is 
now Fayette County. The Redstone Association, Mr. Bene- 
dict, their historian, supposes, was organized in 1776. 

" One of the oldest Churches was gathered in 1770, under 
the ministry of Elder John Sutton. It was, at first, called 
Great Bethel — now Uniontown, in the County of Fayette. 
This Church was the mother of many others which arose 
around it. Mr. Sutton was a native of New Jersey, and was 
one of five brothers who were Baptist preachers. Two of 
them removed to this country with him. He settled in the 
Redstone country when it was in a wilderness state, and was 
long a laborious and much respected preacher, throughout an 
extensive cu'cle of Churches, which were planted, either wholly 
or in part, by his means. The time of his death is not known, 
but it is believed to have been not far from 1800. 

" Cotemporary with this evangelical servant of God was the 
pious and successful John Corbley, who was made to drink 
deeply of the cup of affliction, (by the massacre of his wife 
by the savages, on a Sabbath morning, as they were going on 
foot to the place of worship — of which see a thrilling account 
in Day's Hist. Coll. of Penn.*) This distinguished man was 
a native of England, where he was born in 1733 — came to 
this country in very early life — paid for his passage by four 
years' service in Pennsylvania — became a Baptist preacher in 

grants. These carried their profession with them, and wherever they 
settledf they generally formed the beginning of a congregation. These 
congregations were rapidly multiplied in the Western part of Pennsyl- 
vania." — Miller^ s " Sketches and Sermons," p. 80. 
* See, also, our Sketch of the Life of Mr. Dod. 



RECORDS OF THE PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 309 

Virginia, where he suffered maltreatment and imprisonmentf, 
in the times of persecution in the Old Dominion — settled in 
Western Pennsylvania, in 1768, and became the coadjutor 
of Sutton, and others, in planting the first Churches of our 
order in that region. 

" For half a century, or more, the Old Redstone Associa- 
tion was regarded as a very important institution in the 
whole Baptist connection, and embraced the talent and enter- 
prize of our Society, in this great field of labor." — Benedict's 
Hist, of Bap. 

We have no means of ascertaining at what time and where 
the Methodists began their itinerating labors ; but have rea- 
son to believe it was not much, if at all, before the beginning 
of the present century, or at least, till after the period of the 
Old Redstone Presbytery. 



RECORDS OF THE PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 

In placing before the reader the minutes of the Presbytery 
during its earlier history, we hope that we will not merely 
gratify curiosity, but furnish additional materials for a monu- 
ment to the honor and praise of our fathers. Our original 
plan was to publish these Records entire, and we had care- 
fully twice transcribed them for this purpose — employing a 
system of abbreviations, in order to condense the whole into 
a reasonable space. But we have since concluded to drop 
out of our transcript all those portions of the Records that 
are only used as necessary forms in such cases ; as, for in- 
stance — "Presbytery adjourned to meet to-morrow morning 
at 9 o'clock — concluded with prayer." "Presbytery met 
according to adjournment — ordered to read the minutes of 
the last meeting," &c., &c. We have also drawn our pen 
across all statements about congregational settlements — and 



310 RECORDS OF THE PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 

about supplies — about leave of absence — reasons sustained 
for late attendance — or non-attendance, or non-compliance 
with appointments, &c. These, especially the first two items, 
form a considerable mass of the minutes. We have also, 
after a few of the earlier meetings of the Presbytery, deemed 
it unnecessary to give the names of the ministers and elders 
present, and of the absentees. With these exceptions, and 
with some abbreviated forms of expression respecting candi- 
dates and their exercises for trial, we have given the entire 
minutes. To many it may seem that we should have gone 
further, and left out much more. But we cannot doubt that, 
to many others, much satisfaction will be afforded by the pe- 
rusal of such portions of the Records as may appear of little 
intrinsic value. They will sometimes serve to illustrate the 
times to which they belong, and, in some cases, will prove 
abundantly suggestive. We have spent much time and pains 
in preparing the notes, which we hope will be found to con- 
tain some agreeable variety, if not information. The Bio- 
graphical Sketches, which form a part of these notes, will 
give a novel character to this part of our work ; and should 
this feature of the " Records" meet with acceptance, it is not 
improbable that a Work of a similar character, bringing down 
this kind of Ecclesiastical history more nearly to our times, 
will be attempted. There are materials at hand for a conti- 
nuation of this part of our Work. Indeed, we apprehend 
that some disappointment will arise from the absence, in this 
Work, of any account of several of our old churches, and of 
many fathers and brethren whose memory will long be cher- 
ished in the West. We have meant no invidious distinction 
by their exclusion, and can only plead that the plan of our 
volume did not seem to open a door for their admission. 

In the records now published, after striking out as above 
described, we have thought it unnecessary to notice the suc- 
cessive days of each meeting of the Presbytery. The reader 
will, of course, understand that even the brief statements of 
their transactions, as now condensed, often belong to suc- 
cessive days. 



RECOEDS 



PEESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 

FROM ITS ORGANIZATIOlSr, SEPTEMBER 19tH, 1781, TILL ITS 

DIVISION, OCTOBER 18th, 1793. 



"At a meeting of the Synod of New York and Philadel- 
phia, held on the 16th of May, 1781, the Rev. Messrs. Joseph 
Smith, John M'Millan, James Power, and Thaddeus Dod, 
having requested to be erected into a separate Presbytery, 
to be known by the name of the Presbytery of Redstone,(l) 

(1) Redstone. — This name was given to the Presbytery by the Synod, 
at the suggestion, no doubt, of the ministers who sought this organiza- 
tion ; not because the term, in its stricter sense, denoted either the re- 
gion of country where the first churches were organized, or the most 
central part of the Pesbytery — for that was farther west, — but because 
lihe expression " Redstone Settlement," then, and for many years after- 
wards, was employed to denote most of the country, whether claimed 
by Pennsylvania or Virginia, which lay west of the mountains. It de- 
rived its origin from the name of a creek which enters the Monongahela 
below Brownsville. This place was long known by the name of "Red- 
stone Old Fort." 

" The hills around abounded with bituminous coal ; and along the 
water-courses, where the earth had been washed off, the coal was left 
exposed. The inflammability of that mineral must have been known to 
the inhabitants at that early period ; for, where those exposures hap- 
pened, fire had been communicated, and an ignition of the coal taken 
place : and probably continued to burn until the compactness, and so- 

(311) 



312 HISTORY OF PIGEON CREEK COXGREGATIOX. 

the Synod grant their request, and appoint their first meeting 
to be held at Laurel Hill, the third Wednesday of September 
next, at 11 o'clock, A. M." 

FIRST MEETING. 

Wednesday, Sept. 19th, 1781.(2)— The Presbytery, accord- 
ing to appointment of the Rev. Synod of New York and 
Philadelphia, met at Pigeon Creek,(3) as the circumstances 

lidity of the body, and want of air, caused its extinguishment. These 
fires, in their course, came in contact with the surrounding earth and 
stone, and gave them a red appearance ; indeed, so completely burned 
were they, that when pulverised, they have been substituted in painting 
for Spanish brown. Many of the Red Banks are now visible ; the most 
prominent one, perhaps, is that near the junction of a creek with the 
Monongahela river, a short distance below the fortification, and which 
bears the name oi Redstone — doubtless fi-om the red appearance of the 
bank near its mouth." — Am. Pioneer, Vol. II., p. 55. 

Our State geologist, in his third Annual Report on the Geological 
Survey of the State of Pennsylania, p. 97, gives a difi"erent account of 
the origin of the ignition of coal banks. " In many places," says he, 
" the coal of the roofs has been precipitated by a slipping of the hill- 
side upon the lower part of the seam, in which case the latter has often 
taken fire from the heat evolved by the chemical decomposition. This 
has occurred particularly at the mouth of Redstone Creek, in Fayette 
County, where the overlaying slate has been baked and reddened by the 
combustion." 

(2) The first meeting of the Redstone Presbytery was just one month 
before the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown. This important event, 
which was soon followed by a treaty of peace with Great Britain, and 
the final establishment of the independence of the United States, did 
not, as might have been expected, bring immediate peace and quiet to 
the western borders — as will appear from the minutes of the Presbytery 
presently. 

(3) Pigeon Creek. — This congregation, one of the oldest in Wash- 
ington County, in union with Chartiers, gave a call to the Rev. John 
M'Millan, at a meeting of the Donegal Presbytery, April 23d, 1770, at 
which time he was ordained with a view to his settlement among them 
as their pastor — though he was never formally installed. Whether this 
congregation Avas organised previous to this time is uncertain. Dr. 
M'Millan, in his journal, speaks of his ordaining elders, baptizing chil- 



HISTORY OF PIGEON CREEK CONGREGATION. 313 

of some of the members, by reason of the incursions of tlie 
savages, rendered it impracticable for tbem to attend at 
Laurel Hill. Ubi post preces sederunt, the Rev. Messrs. 
John M'Millan, James Power, and Thaddeus Dod. Elders — 
John Neil, Demas Lindley, and Patrick Scott. Absent — the 
Eev. Joseph Smith. The Presbytery was opened by Mr. Dod, 
with a sermon from Job xlii. 56. The Presbytery then pro- 
ceeded to the choice of Moderator and Clerk ; whereupon, Mr. 
M'Millan was chosen Moderator, and Mr. Power Clerk, for 
the ensuing year. Application was made in behalf of Muddy 
Creek and the South Fork of Ten Mile, in conjunction, for 
supplies ; and also for liberty to apply to the Presbytery of 
Donegal. Adjourned to meet to-morrow morning. Concluded 
with prayer. 

dren, &c., among them, soon after he was ordained ; but not expressly 
of his organizing the church. As he received " a call" from the two 
churches, they must have been previously organized, unless the term 
" call" be taken in a looser sense. 

In this church, which then covered a very wide field, were, from the 
first, some eminently pious people who had emigrated from Nottingham, 
Chester County ; and here the Spirit of God was remarkably poured out 
several times during Dr. M'Millan's ministry among them, which con- 
tinued till near the close of the last century. For a short time, the 
Rev. Boyd Mercer labored among them. He was succeeded by the Rev. 
Andrew Gwini^ who was ordained and installed pastor of Pigeon Creek 
and Pike Run in 1800 ; he continued their pastor till October 7th, 1819. 
For some subsequent years, the Rev. Andrew Wylie, D. D., acted as 
stated supply ; but the precise times when this relation began and ended 
are not known. On April 17th, 1832, the Rev. Wm. C. Anderson, D. D., 
was installed pastor of this church. Upon his resignation after a few. 
years (July 15th, 1826,) he was succeeded by the Rev. E. S. Graham, 
who continued the pastor until his death in 1844. He was succeeded 
by the Rev. James Sloan, the present pastor, December, 1844. Number 
of communicants in 1854 — 370. This congregation has enjoyed many 
revivals of religion, and is still one of the strongest and most flourishing 
churches in our connection. It has passed through many severe trials 
from its earliest days. The old Presbytery of Redstone met here oftener 
than anywhere else ; and here, by the remarkable orderings of Divine 
Providence, they held their first meeting. 



314 1781 AND 1782 years of great suffering. 

Thursday, Sept. 20tli. — The Presbytery met, according to 
adjournment. Ubi post preces sederunt qui supra, except Mr. 
Neil. Ordered, that the minutes of the last session be now 
read. The appointment for supplies deferred till our next 
meeting. Adjourned to meet at Mount Pleasant the first 
Wednesday of November, at 12 o'clock. Concluded with 
prayer. 

MOUNT PLEASANT, Wednesday, the 7th of November, 
1781. — A sufficient number of members not attending to form 
a Presbytery — by those who did meet, agreed to appoint a 
meeting at Sewickly, on the second Tuesday of April next. 

SEWICKLY, Friday, 9th of April, 1782. (4) — A sufficient 

(4) The years 1781 and 1782, .were years of great trial and hardship 
to our fathers on account of the inroads of the Indians. "The sum- 
mer of 1782," says a writer quoted in Day's Historical collections, p. 
683, "was a sorrowful one to the frontier inhabitants. The blood of 
many a family had sprinkled their own fields." About a month before 
the second unavailing attempt to hold a meeting of Presbytery at Se- 
wickly, occurred the dreadful and diabolical massacre of the Christian 
Indians at the Moravian settlement on the Muskingum. " Here, while 
peaceably gathering their corn, without any provocation, and without 
the least resistance, more than ninety of these unofi'ending creatures 
were barbarously and deliberately murdered ; not by hostile Indians, 
but by more than savage white men, under the command of Colonel 
Williamson." — History of Western Pennsylvania, p. 204*. One writer 
has stated a circumstance, which, if true, explains, but d(jps not justify, 
the outrageous conduct of our people at the Moravian towns. Articles 
of clothing, known to have belonged to white females murdered by the 
savages, were found in possession of these Moravian Indians ; and, 
though they protested their innocence of any participation in the mur- 
der, and attempted to explain how they became possessed of these 
clothes, it was altogether unavailing ; and the authority of the oflacers 
to exercise any control over our men was completely set aside ; and, as 
if a spark had been thrown on gunpowder, indiscriminate murder was 
the consequence. This dreadful occurrence raised to a fearful pitch of 
exasperation the hostile spirit of the savages. Then, in two months, 
followed Crawford's expedition, signal defeat, and terrible death. " The 
massacre of the Moravian Indians was the prelude to other scenes of 
blood and attending calamities. Immediately after the return of the 
expedition to the Moravian villages, another campaign was planned. 



DUNLAP'S CREEK CONGREGATION. 315 

number of members not attending, by reason of the incursions 
of the savages, to form a Presbytery, those who did meet, 
agreed to appoint a meeting at Dunlap's Creek the third 
Tuesday of October. 

SECOND MEETING. 

DUNLAP'S CREEK,(5) October 25th, 1782.— The Presby- 
tery met, according to adjournment. Ubi, post preces, sederunt, 
the Rev. Messrs. Joseph Smith, John M'Millan, and James 

and the command given to Colonels "Williamson and Crawford. These 
officers, with their men, penetrated the Indian country to the wilds of 
Sandusky ; where they were met, and utterly defeated, by an Indian 
force composed of the warriors of the ' Six Nations.' Well do I re- 
member when the dreadful news reached the neighborhood where I 
resided, near Washington, Pennsylvania. And to illustrate the eifects, 
let me mention that three widows, all residing within two miles of where 
I then was, and thirteen children, lost their protectors. This may afford 
evidence of the wide-spread desolation. It was a fearful hour of tears, 
distraction, and momentary despair. Few families but had to mourn a 
relative." — William Darby, Esq., in Nat. Int., 1851. Then, in the 
course of that summer, Hanna's Town was burnt. Frightful murders 
were committed all round the frontier. No wonder the Presbytery 
could not meet. The outskirts of every congregation in the Presby- 
tery, unless it might be Chartiers and Dunlap's Creek, were in imme- 
diate danger during all this time. We might, perhaps, also have ex- 
cepted the Fdrks of Youghiogheny. This Mesopotamian region, from 
the junction of the Youghiogheny and Monongahela to the Laurel Hill, 
was remarkably exempt from the Indian raids. The savages coming 
in on the settlements, either from the Ohio or the Allegheny Eiver, 
scarcely ever reached those rivers ; and if they sometimes did, as in the 
case of the Muddy Creek settlement, they are not known to have crossed 
them. Here were two abortive attempts to hold a meeting of Presby- 
tery, occasioning more than an entire year from the first till the second 
m-eeting. Truly, the walls of our Zion were built in troublesome times ! 
(5) Dunlap's Creek. — This congregation embraced, within its early 
indefinite limits, the real original " Redstone Settlement." Some Pres- 
byterian emigrants, both from Easton, Pennsylvania, and from Virginia, 
settled within its bounds nearly, if not quite as early, as 1760. When 
the settlement was visited by Mr. Finley in 1765, he found a few of such 
families. The missionaries sent out by the Synod of New York and 



316 SKETCH OF JAMES EDGAR. 

Power. Absent, the Rev. Thaddeus Dod, (6) Elders James 
Edgar, (7) John M'Dowell, and Moses Latta. The Presby- 

Philadelphia probably visited them. Messrs. Power and M'Millan, in 
their first visits to the West in 1774-5 and 6, were also among them, 
and preached to them. Perhaps about this time the church was organ- 
ized. Dr. Power moved out, with his family, and settled here in the 
fall of 1776, and supplied them for some time, though he did not assume 
the pastoral relation. Their first pastor was the Rev. James Dunlap, 
D.D., who entered upon his labors among them in 1781, and was in- 
stalled their pastor October 15th, 1782. This connection was dissolved 
April 22d, 1789. They were supplied for a short time by the Presby- 
tery, until, in 1791, the Rev. Jacob Jennings settled among them, and, 
in the following year, accepted a call from them, and remained their 
pastor till June, 1811 ; when, on account of increased infirmities, he 
asked and obtained a dismission. He continued, however, to preach 
occasionally till his death, February 17th, 1813. The Rev. William 
Johnston became their next pastor, in connection with Brownsville, and 
continued in this relation with Dunlap's Creek till December 3d, 1839, 
and with Brownsville till his death, December 31st, 1841. The Rev. 
Samuel Wilson, D.D., received and accepted a call from Dunlap's Creek 
early in 1840, and was installed their pastor November 17th, 1840. 
This congregation, once a very large and flourishing church, has been 
much weakened and reduced by emigration, the inroads of the Cum- 
berlands, and the organization of the Brownsville church, within the 
limits of its original boundary. It has been for some years, however, 
fast recovering from a state of almost complete prostration, and bids 
fair to reach again its pristine vigor and prosperity. Some refreshing 
seasons of divine grace have been enjoyed by them in later years, re- 
minding them of days of which their fathers told them. The number 
of communicants — in connection with M'Clellandtown — last re- 
ported, 201. 

(6) Mr Dod was absent. Perhaps his congregation was both in deep 
distress and great dismay at that time. For a company from his con- 
gregation had been with Colonel Crawford in his disastrous expedition, 
and only a portion of them ever returned. — Hist. West. Pa., p. 209. 
There was no part of the country more exposed to the savages than the 
settlements on Ten-Mile. 

(7) James Edgar. — "Judge Edgar was born in York County, Penn- 
sylvania, in the congregation of Slate Ridge, November 15th, 1744. He 
for the first time sat down at the Lord's table in the church of Deer 
Creek, about 14 miles from his father's house, on the 14th of Septem- 
ber, 1760, when he was 16 years old. His father's family emigrated to 



SKETCH OP JAMES EDGAR. 317 

terj was opened -with a sermon from Prov. viii. 4, by Mr. 
Smith. Ttie Presbytery proceeded to the choice of a mode- 
rator and clerk for the ensuing year. Whereupon Mr. PoAver 

North Carolina ; but he was never there, except on a visit to his rela- 
tions. He removed from York County to Western Pennsylvania in the 
fall of 1779." — Letter of the Rev. Dr. Stockton. 

Judge Brackenridge, in his " Incidents of the Western Insurrection," 
where he proceeds to give an account of the great Brownsville meeting, 
says, " I proposed that we should get James Edgar, a member of the 
Committee of Twelve, to begin. He was an associate judge of the 
Court of Washington, and a kind of Rabbi in the Presbyterian churches 
in the western country. He had been a presbyter or elder from his 
youth ; had been a member of committees in the early period of 
the American Revolution, and of legislative assemblies, executive and 
censorial councils, or deliberative conventions, ever since. His head 
was prematurely hoary with prayers and fastings, and religious exer- 
cises ; his face thin and puritanical, like the figures of the old repub- 
licans in the long parliament in England. He was a man of sense, 
and not destitute of eloquence. It was agreed that he should open the 
way for us. It was proposed to him, but he appeared reluctant ; I know 
not on what principle. It was imposed, therefore, on Gallatin. Edgar 
followed me with great earnestness, and with the solemnity of an even- 
ing sermon, in a discourse of great length." Dr. Carnahan, in hia 
Lecture on the Whiskey Insurrection says, " This truly great and good 
man, little known beyond the precincts of Washington County, had 
removed to Western Pennsylvania, at an early period. He had a good 
English education ; had improved his mind by reading and reflection ; 
so that, in theological and political knowledge, he was superior to many 
professional men. He had as clear a head, and as pure a heart, as ever 
falls to the lot of mortals ; and he possessed an eloquence which, 
although not polished, was convincing and persuasive. Yet he lived 
in retirement on his farm, except when the voice of his neighbors called 
him forth to serve the church or the state. He was a ruling elder in 
the Presbyterian church, and one of the associate Judges of Washing- 
ton County, &c." — "I recollect to have heard him at Buffalo on Mon- 
day, after a sacramental occasion, address a congregation of at least two 
thousand people, on the subject of the Insurrection, with a clearness 
of argument, and a solemnity of manner, and a tenderness of Chris- 
tian eloquence, which reached the understanding and penetrated the 
heart of every hearer. The consequence was, that very few in his neigh- 
borhood were concerned in the lawless riots." 

Such was one of the men that the Rev. Joseph Smith was greatly 



318 SKETCH OF OHIO COURT-HOUSE. 

was chosen moderator, and Mr. M'Millan clerk. Ordered, 
that the minutes of the last meetmg of Presbytery be now 
read. Mr. Smith's reasons for not attending our last meeting 
are sustained. The Rev. James Dunlap, formerly a member 
of the Newcastle Presbytery, having accepted a call in our 
bounds, now applies to be admitted as a member of this 
Presbytery ; and upon producing suflBcient testimonials, and 
a dismission from that Presbytery, is accordingly received, 
and takes his seat as a member of this. His elder is Robert 
Adams. Adjourned to meet to-morrow morning at nine 
o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 

Wednesday, the 16th. — The Presbytery met, according to 
adjournment. Ubi post preces, sederunt qui supra. Ordered 
that the minutes of the last session be now read. A suppli- 
cation for supplies, from Tyrone congregation, was brought 
in and read. An application was made in behalf of Muddy 
Creek, for supplies. Mr. Smith appointed to supply, &c. 
[Here follows a list of appointments for supplies, to the 
several members. There was one appointment at Ohio 

Court-House.(8)] Upon motion being made, the Presbytery 
unanimously agreed that they would, in no case whatever, 
marry any persons by license, but would adhere to the rules 
laid down in the Westminster Directory. (9) Application 

instrumental in training for the church, for his country, and for heaven. 
He was nine times a member of the old Presbytery. 

(8) Ohio Court-House. — This place was some miles west of the pre- 
sent town of Washington, and was a seat of justice under the govern- 
ment of Virginia — as all Washington County, together with Fayette and 
Greene, and a large portion of Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties, 
were claimed by that State, and considered a part of Augusta County, 
Virginia. It is probable that not more than two or three families re- 
sided there, or in the immediate vicinity. This is the first and last 
appointment for a supply at that place. (See Note on Short Creek.) 

(9) The following passage in the old Westminster Directory, respect- 
ing marriage, is, no doubt, referred to : 

" Before the solemnizing of marriage between any persons, their pur- 
pose of marriage shall be published by the minister three several Sab- 
bath-days, in the congregation, at the place or places of their most usual 



TROUBLES OP MR. DUNLAP. 319 

being made by the united congregation of the Forks of 
Youghiogheny, for liberty to present a call to the Rev. James 
Finley, a member of the Presbytery of New Castle — the 
Presbytery grant their request, and order the clerk to fur- 
nish them with a copy of this minute. 

John Matson appeared before Presbytery and exhibited 
the following charges against the Rev. James Dunlap. 1. 
That Mr. Dunlap charged him with coming to his house to 
take the advantage of, and wrangle with him. 2, That Mr. 
Dunlap accused him with unchristian conduct towards him. 
3. That Mr. Dunlap denied him ordination as a ruling elder ; 
and, 4, For not letting the reasons why he did so be known to 
the congregation. Mr. Dunlap acknowledges that he did say 
that Mr. Matson treated him in an unchristian manner, and 
gives as the reason why he said so, that though he had made 
some concessions, and acknowledged that he had been too 
rash with respect to the baptising of a certain Audley Rea's 
child, with which Mr. Matson declared himself satisfied, yet 
he still continued to mention that piece of inadvertence to 
others ; in such a manner as had a tendency to hurt his char- 
acter as a gospel minister. In support of which Mr.^ Dunlap 
produces the following witnesses : Caleb Wingate being called 
upon to declare the truth, says that Mr. Matson told him that 
Mr. Norris informed Mr. Dunlap of Audley Rea's drinking 

and constant abode respectively. And of this publication the minister 
who is to join them in marriage shall have sufficient testimony, before 
he proceeds to solemnize the marriage. Before that publication of such 
their marriage, (if the parties be under age,) the consent of the parents, 
or others under whose power they are, (in case the parents are dead,) 
is to be made known to the church officers of that congregation — to be 
recorded." 

We know not whether, in the times of our fathers, a publication of a 
purpose of marriage was usually made for three successive Sabbaths. 
But once sufficed, we know, at a somewhat later period ; and this cus- 
tom continued for a number of years, though now altogether laid aside, 
in our branch of the Presbyterian Church. It is said to be still ob- 
served in the Secession and Covenanting bodies — the latter rigidly ad 
hering to the old rule of publishing for three successive Sabbaths. 



320 JOHN matson's charges against him. 

and swearing, previous to his baptising his child ; and that he 
spoke in such a manner as showed him to be still dissatisfied, 
after acknowledgments made, with which he professed himself 
satisfied ; and expressed himself in such a manner as had a ten- 
dency to hurt Mr. Dunlap's usefulness as a minister of the gos- 
pel. Isaac Sterritt, being solemnly called upon to declare the 
truth, says, that at a raising at Mr. Tate's, Mr. Matson said 
that Mr. Dunlap baptised Audley Rea's child, and would not 
baptise others in like circumstances. He said also that Mr. 
Dunlap had confessed his fault and afterwards denied it; 
that Mr. Norris had informed him of Mr. Audley Rea's 
character. That Mr. Norris had made it appear at another 
time that he had informed him ; and that Mr. Dunlap had 
nothing to say in his own defence. Mr. Matson acknowledges 
that he told Mr. Wingate and Mr. Sterrit these things which 
they have declared, and gives this as his reason for so doing, 
viz : That he heard Mr. Dunlap saying, that he looked upon 
it that he had done no wrong in baptising Atidley Rea's 
child, after he had made the forementioned concession. The 
Presbytery, after fully hearing both parties, with respect to 
the first charge, do judge that Mr. Dunlap had sufficient 
grounds for saying what he did, inasmuch of John Matson 
coming to Mr. Dunlap's, in company with some others, joined 
with them in wrangling with, and treating him in a very un- 
becoming and disorderly manner. With respect to the second 
charge, the Presbytery judge that Mr. Dunlap was treated in 
an unchristian manner by John Matson ; and at the same 
time could have wished that Mr. Dunlap had been more 
cautious in the admission of Audley Rea. With respect to , 
the two last charges, the Presbytery judge that Mr. Dunlap 
had sufficient occasion for not ordaining Mr. Matson, inas- 
much as it had been made to appear before them that objec- 
tions had been laid against him, by a member of the con- 
gregation ; and that he was justifiable in not publishing the 
reasons to the congregation. Upon the whole, the Presbytery 
cannot but highly disapprove of Mr. Matson's conduct, 



THE LAW ABOUT MARRIAGES. 321 

especially at Mr. Dunlap's house ; and do judge that he sub- 
mit to an admonition from the Moderator. To this judgment 
the parties submitted, and Mr. Matson was accordingly ad- 
monished by the Moderator. Adjourned to meet at Pigeon 
creek, the second Tuesday of March next, at 12 o'clock. 
Concluded with prayer. 

THIRD MEETING. 

PIGEON CREEK, Tuesday, 11th of March, 1783.— The 
Presbytery met according to adjournment. Ubi post preces 
sederunt, the Rev. Messrs. Joseph Smith, &c. The Presbytery 
was opened by Mr. Dunlap, from John iii., 3. 

The Rev. James Finley, a member of the Presbytery of 
New Castle, being present and invited, sits as a correspondent. 
The Rev. John Clark, formerly a member of New Castle 
Presbytery, now makes application to be admitted as a mem- 
ber of this. Upon his producing sufficient testimonials and 
his dismission from that Presbytery, he is accordingly received 
and takes his place as a member of this. The Presbytery 
find that the members have punctually fulfilled their appoint- 
ments, except Mr. Dunlap, in one instance, whose reasons for 
the omission are sustained. 

Upon motion, resolved, that magistrates belonging to our 
community, marrying any person in a way contrary to the 
prescriptions of the law respecting marriages, and all persons 
belonging to us, obtaining marriage either by magistrates or 
ministers contrary to the law, shall be esteemed censurable 
by the church. (10) Ordered that this, and the minute of the 

. (10) The law respecting marriages, (see " Laws of Pennsylvania," 
Vol. I., p. 21. Purdon's Digest, p. 568,) recjuired "that all marriages 
not forbidden by the law of God be encouraged ; but the parents or 
guardians shall, if conveniently they can, be first consulted with, and 
the party's clearness of all engagements, signified by a certificate from 
some credible person where they have lived, or do live, produced to such 
religious society to which they relate, or to some justice of the peace 
of the countv, where the parties do reside or dwell, one month before 
21*' 



322 IMPORTANT PROCEEDINGS ABOUT 

last meeting of Presbytery, respecting marriage, be read by 
the members in tlieir congregations and in the vacancies 
under our care. 

As the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, taking into 
consideration the evil consequences of congregations suffering 
arrearages to be long unsettled between them and their 
ministers, did enjoin it upon them to produce a settlement 
every year to their respective Presbyteries: (11) therefore, 

solemnization thereof; the which said publication, before it be so affixed 
as aforesaid, shall be brought before one or more justices of the peace 
in the respective counties to vs'hich they respectively belong; which 
justice shall subscribe the said publication, witnessing the time of such 
declaration and date of said publication, so to be affirmed as aforesaid. 
And that all marriages shall be solemnized by taking each other for 
husband and wife, before twelve sufficient witnesses ; and the certificate 
of their marriage under the hands of the parties and Avitnesses, at least 
twelve, and one of them a justice of the peace, shall be brought to the 
register of the county where they are married, and registered in his 
office, &c. Provided that this law shall not extend to any who shall 
marry or be married, in the religious society to which they belong, so 
as notice shall be given by either of the parties to the parents, masters, 
mistresses, or guardians, one full month, at least, before any such mar- 
riage be solemnized." But that " no license or dispensation shall hinder 
or obstruct the force or operation of this act, in respect of notice to be 
given to parents, masters, mistresses, or guardians, as aforesaid." 

(11) In the course thus early adopted, so wise and salutary — of re- 
quiring churches to report annual settlements, they refer to the authority 
of the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, as sanctioning and re- 
quiring this measure. It appears that so long ago as 17G5, a number 
of elders and gentlemen, having met in Philadelphia, had deliberated 
upon several important measures necessary for the interests of the 
churches, touching matters and points that could more properly be 
taken up by them than by the ininisters. The result was, that they 
laid their suggestions in the form of a petition, before the Synod. It 
was laid over till the following year. (Printed Records, 350.) At the 
next meeting, in 1766, this Address was committed to a large com- 
mittee, to prepare, by the next day, an overture on the subject, (p. 356.) 
The result was the adoption of the following : " The Synod taking into 
their serious consideration several matters, suggested to them in an 
address and representation from a number of lay-elders, and others of 



CONGREGATIONAL SETTLEMENTS. 323 

in obedience to this act of Synod, this Presbytery does 
require their several members, with their respective congre- 
gations, to produce such settlements to us at our next meeting ; 
and that the congregations be required to answer such ques- 
tions put to them respecting the diligence and care of their 
respective pastors. Adjourned to meet at Mount Pleasant, 
on the third Tuesday of October next. Concluded with 
prayer. 

FOURTH MEETING. 

MOUNT PLEASANT (12), Tuesday, Oct. 21st, 1783.— 

the Presbyterian denomination, occasionally assembled at Philadelphia, 
do, after mature deliberation, look upon said affairs to be of much im- 
portance and deserving the strictest regard as very useful and salutary 
measures, whereby many pernicious evils may be prevented and various 
great advantages procured," &c. ; then recommend their adoption by 
the Presbyteries and congregations, &c. : " and that all proper pains be 
taken by each Presbytery to have said measures put in execution, viz. : 
1st. That in every congregation a committee be appointed, who shall, 
twice in every year, collect the minister's stipend, and lay his receipts 
before the Presbytery preceding the Synod ; and at the same time that 
the ministers give an account of their diligence in visiting and cate- 
chising their people." Then follovr seven other matters, recommended, 
&c. The above shows the origin of that wise measure, still pursued in 
our Presbyteries — that it vras not a measure which began with the 
ministers, but with the people. (Printed Kecords, p. 358.) 

(12) Mount Pleasant. — This is one of the oldest churches in the 
West. It is near two miles from a village of the same name in West- 
moreland County ; but which gave the name to the other, we cannot 
tell. The church is perhaps older than the town, and was probably 
organized as early as 1776, when Dr. Power removed to the western 
country. It was supplied by him from that period -till the Spring of 
1779, when he became the pastor of the united congregations of Mount 
Pleasant and Sewickly. On the 22d of August, 1787, he was dismissed 
from Sewickly, and continued the pastor of Mount Pleasant till April 
15th, 1817, when, from age and infirmity, he resigned this charge. It 
continued vacant till April 18th, 1821, when the Rev. A. 0. Patterson, 
D. D., was ordained and installed pastor of the united congregations 
of Sewickly and Mount Pleasant. This relation continued till October 
8th, 1834. 



324 NUMEROUS SUPPLIES APPOINTED. 

The Presbytery met according to adjournment. Ubi post 
preces sederunt, the Rev. Messrs. Joseph Smith, kc. The 
Presbytery was opened with a sermon on Isaiah Ixiii. 1, by 
Mr. Smith. A supplication for supplies from Unity congre- 
gation, also for liberty to apply to Donegal Presbytery for 
supplies, was brought in and read. The Presbytery pro- 
ceeded to make out supplies. The Presbytery find that the 
members present have fulfilled their appointments, except 
Mr. Power, whose reasons are sustained. Mr. Smith, agree- 
ably to the requisitions of Presbytery at their last meeting, 
produces a settlement with the congregation of Cross Creek, 
whereby it appears that there will be due to him from said 
congregation, against the 1st of December next, the just and 
full sum of ,£113 5s M. Upon inquiry, it was found that 
settlements have not been made by congregations with their 
respective pastors, according to the requirement made at our 
last meeting, except between Mr. Smith and Cross Creek ; it 

Soon after, the Rev. S. Montgomery became its pastor, April, 1836. 
On May 19th, 1840, the congregation was unhappily divided, a part ad- 
hering to the New School division. In this weakened and crippled 
state of the congregation, it formed a connection with Greensburg. 
The Rev. James J. Brownson became their pastor November 25th, 1841, 
and was dismissed in January, 1849. In 1849, these congregations 
united in a call to the Rev. Wm. D. Moore, vrho became their pastor 
soon after. In October, 1851, Mr. Moore resigned the pastoral charge 
of Mount Pleasant. On the 14th of April, 1852, the Rev. Wm. W. 
M'Lain received and accepted a call from them, and was installed their 
pastor soon after, in 1852. 

This church shared largely in the early revivals of the "West ; and 
though, towards the close of Dr. Power's ministry among them, the 
church was almost threatened with extinction, principally on account 
of emigration, it again greatly revived and prospered during the minis- 
try of Dr. Patterson. Could the breach which exists among them be 
healed, and could they all come together again with one heart and one 
mind, the times of which our fathers have told us might yet return to 
that church, so intimately associated with the early history of Redstone 
Presbytery, and having so many precious ties with the church in glory. 
The number of communicants in 1854 — 89. 



ROBERT HALL S COMPLAINT. 325 

is therefore enjoined upon them to have such settlements 
made, and to produce them at our next meeting. Upon in- 
quiry, it was found that the congregations were satisfied with 
the care and diligence of their respective pastors. 

A reference was brought in from the session of Mount 
Pleasant, respecting a complaint of George Latimer against 
Deborah Ross, which is as follows : That Deborah Ross has 
falsely reported that she left her house sundry times for fear 
of him. The Presbytery, after duly considering said com- 
plaint, and hearing all that the parties had to offer, do judge 
that said complaint is without any just foundation ; inasmuch 
as it appears that George Latimer stands convicted of immo- 
dest behavior towards Deborah Ross, for which he ought to 
submit to an admonition before the session ; and that for re- 
moving the scandal, his compliance be made known to the 
congregation. To which judgment, George Latimer refuses 
to submit. 

Robert Hall appeared before Presbytery, and exhibited the 
following complaint against the session of Mount Pleasant 
congregation, viz. : " To the Moderator and remanent mem- 
bers of Redstone Presbytery, now sitting at Mount Pleasant 
meeting-house. The complaint and application of Robert 
Hall humbly showeth, that whereas I, your complainant, upon 
application to the Rev. Mr. Power for a continuation of the 
common privileges of a regular church member, have been 
refused the same ; and afterwards to several members of the 
session, but was still kept back ; upon which I made applica- 
tion to the Rev. Moderator and other members of session in 
writing : but was still denied, without even satisfying me with 
anything that appeared like reason for my being so refused. 
I, therefore, your complainant, do lay the case before your 
wisdoms, that you may judge whether I am justly debarred 
from privileges or not ; as I do apprehend that I neither said 
nor did anything that might be a bar in my way, in that 
respect. Therefore, upon examining into the case, your 
wisdoms will be able to judge whether I have cause of com- 



326 HISTORY OF BUFFALO CONGREGATION. 

plaint or not : unto whose judgment I do humbly appeal. — 
Robert Hall." The Presbytery, after hearing the parties, 
do judge, that though Mr. Hall had ground of uneasiness, 
inasmuch as he was really a sufferer, yet Mr. Power was not 
to be blamed, as it was entirely through the fault of the con- 
gregation that he failed in performing his contract. There- 
fore, though the Presbytery could have wished that Mr. Hall 
had not expressed himself so rashly, in some instances, yet 
everything considered, we are of opinion that he may be ad- 
mitted to church privileges without making any particular 
concessions. Upon new light being offered, the Presbytery 
further judge that Mr. Hall profess his sorrow for using some 
expressions reflecting upon Mr. Power's character. To this 
judgment, Mr. Hall refuses to submit. Adjourned to meet 
at Buffalo, the second Tuesday of April next. Concluded 
with prayer. 

FIFTH MEETING. 

BUFFALO, (13) Tuesday, 13th of April, 1784.— The 
Presbytery met according to adjournment, ubi post preces 
sederunt, the Rev. Messrs. John Clark, &c. The Presbytery 

(13) Buffalo. — It is not known when this congregation organized. 
It is probable it was in 1779, the year in which Cross Creek was organ- 
ized. (See App. to Life of Macurdy, Marquis.) The Rev. Joseph Smith 
became its pastor in 1780, in connection with the latter place, and con- 
tinued to labor among them till his death, which occurred April 19th, 
1792. During this period of 12 years, the church was favored with an 
almost constant revival of religion, though, at different times, greatly 
harassed by the incursions of the savages. After Mr. Smith's death, 
the congregation was supplied, for a short time, by the Presbytery, till 
the Rev. Thomas ]\Iarquis, June 13th, 1794, becoming pastor of Cross 
Creek, acted as a stated supply for Buffalo, until this church gave a call 
to the Rev. John Anderson, who was installed their pastor March 9th, 
1802, There is some reason to believe, however, that Dr. Anderson acted 
as stated supply from the spring of 1800. He ministered to this people 
with much fidelity and success, till June 18th, 1833, when, on account 
of declining health, and at his own request, the pastoral relation was 
dissolved. He was succeeded by the Rev. John Eagleson, its present 



EAKLY HISTORY OF PITTSBURG. 327 

was opened by Mr. Dod, with a sermon from Jolin, ix, 35. 
The Stated Clerk being absent, Mr. Dod was chosen Clerk 
pro tern. 

The Presbytery proceeded to appoint supplies to such 
places as have made application, and amongst others, Pitts- 
burg. (14) 

pastor, December 23d, 1834. The number of communicants reported 
in 1854 was 274. This church has witnessed and enjoyed some of the 
most remarkable effusions of the Holy Spirit that have ever been expe- 
rienced in our Western country. It was here that the ever memorable 
meeting, called " the great Buffalo Sacrament," took place, commencing 
on the 13th of November, 1802. Many brought their wagons, provisions 
and tents from a considerable distance. Fifteen ministers were present. 
About 960 persons sat down to the Lord's table on the Sabbath. Many 
hundreds of persons, of both sexes, and all ages, were brought under 
deep conviction of their sins. Multitudes, it is believed, were hopefully 
converted to God. The meeting was continued till Tuesday evening. 
It was the most remarkable scene that had ever before, or has ever 
since, been witnessed by either ministers or people who were then pre- 
sent. This church has given some of the best materials for the forma- 
tion or strengthening of new churches through the West, and has fur- 
nished several eminent ministers of the gospel. 

(14) Pittsburg. — The first notice of this place. It appears that Mr 
Smith was the first member of the Presbytery sent to preach the gospel 
there, on the fourth Sabbath of August, 1784. The Rev. Messrs. Beatty 
and Duffield had been there in 1766, during their missionary tour, in 
pursuance of an appointment by the Synod of New York and Philadel- 
phia, and found the people living, as Mr, Beatty states in his Journal, 
" in some kind of a town." Mr. Arthur Lee, a distinguished Virginian, 
visited that place a few months after this visit of Mr. Smith's, and gave 
this account of the place : " Pittsburg is inhabited almost entirely by 
Scots and Irish, who live in paltry log-houses, and are as dirty as in the 
north of Ireland, or even Scotland. [We fear that, like Dr. Samuel 
Johnson, Lee hated the Scotch.] There is a great deal of small trade 
carried on, the goods being brought, at the vast expense of 45 shillings 
per cwt., from Philadelphia and Baltimore. They take, in the shops, 
money, wheat, flour and skins. There are, in the town, four attorneys, 
two doctors, and not a priest of any persuasion, nor church, nor chapel; 
so that they are likely to be damned without the benefit of clergy. The 
river encroaches fast upon the town, and to such a degree, that a gen- 
tleman told me that the Allegheny had, within 30 years of his memory, 



328 EARLY HISTORY OF PITTSBURG. 

The Presbytery proceeded to inquire with regard to the 
several congregations' settlements with their respective minis- 
ters. Mr. Clark produced accounts, whereby it appears that 
there was due to him, on the 1st of September last, from the 
Eastern division of Peters' Creek congregation (Lebanon), the 
just and full sum of X40 3s. 9|d. — and from the Western 
division (Bethel), on the 1st of October last, £18 14s. 9id. 
Mr. M'Millan produced accounts, whereby it appears that 
there was due to him, from Chartiers congregation, of his 
last year's stipend, on the 1st of February last, the just and 
full sum of ,£42 7s. 6d. ; and from Pigeon's Creek congrega- 
tion, <£40 17s. 3d. of the last year's stipend, which became 
due November 1st, 1783. The three preceding years remain 
unsettled in both congregations. Mr. Smith produced a set- 
tlement between him and the congregation of Buffalo, whereby 
it appears that there was due to him, from said congrega- 

carried away 100 yards. The place, I believe, will never he very consider- 
able." (Hist, of Pitts, p. 186.) When Washington was there, 31 years 
before, the ground was then covered with a dense forest. When he was 
there again, in 1770, Pittsburg then contained 20 houses, and perhaps 
120 inhabitants. Virginia then claimed it, and all the country thence 
to the Laurel Hill. When Mr. Smith first carried the gospel there, as 
the messenger of the Redstone Presbytery, it is probable the number of 
inhabitants did not exceed 400. For, two years afterwards. Judge 
H. H. Brackenridge, writing of the place, in the first number of the 
Pittsburg Gazette, published in 1786, says, " This town consists, at pre- 
sent, of about 100 dwelling-houses." " Could Arthur Lee," says the 
historian of Pittsburg, " now revisit this point, he would probably be 
surprised to see the change already produced there ; and would not be 
very much gratified by the comparison of Pittsburg with Richmond." 
The country across the Allegheny river, opposite Pittsburg, when Mr. 
Smith was there, was still owned by the Indians. The present site of 
Allegheny city was then even without an Indian wigwam, and was the 
occasional resort of the Pittsburg boys in pursuit of rabbits, opossums, 
&c. There are now six Presbyterian churches here, numbering more, 
perhaps, than 1300 communicants ; and numerous Methodist, Baptist 
and other churches. Sketches of the history of the Presbyterian churches 
of Pittsburg may be given hereafter. 



HISTORY OF CHARTIERS CONGREGATION. 329 

tion, on the 1st of December last, the just and full sum of 
£39 2s. 2d. 

Henry Taylor brought in an appeal from the judgment of 
the session of Chartiers congregation, with respect to his 
having and encouraging a promiscuous dance at his house. 
The Presbytery, after hearing both parties, upon mature de- 
liberation, considering the smallness of the number present, 
[at the meeting of Presbytery ,3 and the importance of the 
case, defer the decision of it to the next meeting of the Pres- 
bytery. Adjourned to meet at Chartiers, 3d Tuesday of 
October next. Concluded with prayer. 

SIXTH MEETING. 

CHARTIERS, (15) October 19th, 1T84.— The Presbytery 
met according to adjournment, ubi post preces sederunt, the 
Rev. Messrs. John M'Millan, &c. The Rev. James Finley 

(15) Chartiers. — It has been supposed that this church was organ- 
ized by Dr. M'Millan, soon after he was ordained, in 1776, There is, 
however, some reason to suppose that, as in the case of Pigeon Creek, 
it was organized some years earlier — possibly by some missionary sent 
out by the Synod of New York and Philadelphia. Dr. M'Millan became 
its first pastor, in the year above mentioned, though he had visited it 
and labored some time there during the previous year. He continued 
the pastor of Chartiers till dismissed April 21st, 1830, having long be- 
fore been dismissed from Pigeon Creek, which was originally a part of 
his charge. This was an eventful year in the history of Chartiers. 

Towards the beginning of that year, or near the close of the previous 
year. Centre church was organized, taking off a considerable wing of 
old Chartiers. Then, in the fall, Canonsburg church was also organ- 
ized, cutting into the very vitals of the mother church. So that, whereas 
they had reported, up to this year, 304 members, we find them in their 
nest report reduced to 70. (See printed Records of Synod of Pitts- 
burg.) 

The Rev. Samuel F. Leake was installed pastor of Chartiers, July 
12th, 1831, and was dismissed June 21st, 1843. He was succeeded by 
the Rev. A. A, Brown, D.D., September 3d, 1844, who continued till 
January 11th, 1848. He was succeeded by the Rev. Robert White, Sep- 
tember 6th, 1848, who died December 14th, 1848. The Rev. Joseph R. 



330 HISTORY OF CHARTIERS CONGREGATION. 

having been regularly dismissed from his former charge, and 
accepted a call from the two Societies in the Forks of 
Youghiogheny, with the approbation of this Presbytery, 
although he has not yet received a disniission from New 
Castle Presbytery, yet being present and invited, sits as a 
correspondent. The Presbytery was opened with a sermon 
on Romans vii. 9, by Mr. Finley. 

Ordered that Mr. M'Millan and his congregations produce 
a settlement for all past time, at our next spring's meeting, 
and that they no longer defer it ; also, that this minute be 
read to the congregations. 

Henry Taylor being necessarily absent, the consideration 
of his appeal is deferred till our next meeting. 

The Presbytery being informed that 160 Bibles, purchased 
by the Synod for the use of the poor within the bounds of 

Wilson, June 20th, 1849, became their pastor, and continued till January 
15th, 1851. On October 16th, 1852, the Rev. William Ewing, their pre- 
•sent pastor, received a call, and was ordained and installed January 
14th, 1852. The number of communicants reported in 1853 was 139. 

This church, one of the oldest in the West, for half a century enjoyed 
the faithful labors of Dr. M'Millan, and under his ministry was favored 
with many happy seasons of revival. Its graveyard contains his mortal 
remains, together with those of his wife and two sons-in-law — the Rev. 
John AVatson and the Rev. William Morehead. On the tomb-stone of 
Dr. M'Millan are these words, arranged, not as here given, but in the 
usual manner in such cases : 

" Erected in memory of the Rev. John M'Millan, D.D., an able di- 
vine, a preacher of the first order. His distinguished talents, his active 
benevolence, his private virtue, his exalted piety, the skill and ability 
which he displayed in instructing and training young men for the gos- 
pel ministry, his indefatigable zeal in promoting his Master's cause, and 
the best interests of his fellow-men, have raised a monument to his fame 
far more imperishable than the stone which bears this inscription. He 
was the leading founder of Jefferson College. The Chartiers Presbyte- 
rian congregation, in which he labored for more than half a century, 
owes its origin to the blessing of God on his instrumentality. Ho died 
November 16th,{l853, enjoying the undoubted hope of a blissful eter- 
nity, in the 82d year of his age, and the 60th year of his ministry." 



DR. EWING EUNNING THE BOUNDARY LINE. 331 

this Presbytery, were brought out by Dr. Ewing, (16) and 
left at several places, order that those in Mr. Power's hands, 

(16) Dr. Ewing was out — along with the celebrated American states- 
men, David Rittenhousc, Bishop Madison, of Virginia, and the other 
Commissioners of the two States — running the line between the States 
of Pennsylvania and Virginia, in the summer and fall of 1784. Here 
is a curious illustration of the manner in which cotemporary secular 
history verifies and illustrates the minutes of the Presbytery. It is re- 
mai-kable, that two of the most eminent clergymen of their respective 
churches — the Presbyterian and the Episcopal — were employed in this 
specific business of settling the long-disputed boundary line between 
the two States. This difficulty had brought the Western people, at one 
time, almost to the verge of civil war among themselves. And yet, 
though they were also involved in hostilities with the Indian tribes, when 
the United States began their Revolutionary struggle, there was but one 
common feeling among both parties on that subject. They held two 
great meetings, on the 16th of May, 1775, only four weeks after the 
battle of Lexington — the Virginia party mainly, not exclusively, at 
Pittsburg, calling it a meeting of the inhabitants of that pftrt of Augusta 
County, west side of Laurel Hill — the Pennsylvania party at Hanna's- 
town ; both adopting, unanimously, strong Whig resolutions, in conso- 
nance with the patriotic feeling of the land. They all struggled toge- 
ther in that cause. But as soon as it was gained, they fell to quarreling 
again, about whether they were Pennsylvanians or Virginians, almost 
worse than ever. And now these ministers of peace, with others, had 
come out to fix and determine finally the boundary line ! And one of 
them came, bringing with him 160 Bibles for the use of the Presbytery, 
to supply their poor and destitute people with the bread of life ! 

The Synod of New York and Philadelphia had, at their session of 
1783, " taken into consideration the situation of many people under 
their care, who, through the indigence of their circumstances, are not 
able to purchase Bibles, and are in danger of perishing for lack of 
knowledge. 

" Ordered, that every member of this body shall use his utmost in- 
fluence in the congregation under his inspection, and in the vacancies 
contiguous to them, to raise contributions for the purchasing of Bibles, 
to be distributed among such poor persons ; and that Doctors Sproat 
and Ewing, and Mr. Duffield, be a committee to receive such contribu- 
tions, to purchase Bibles therewith, and send them to the several mem- 
bers of the Synod, who, in conjunction with their respective sessions, 
shall distribute them." (Printed Records, p. 500.) 



332 HISTORY OF REHEBOTH AND ROUNDHILL. 

viz., 43, be distributed by him and Mr. Finley in the best 
manner they can — that Col. M'Clane be instructed to send 
the greater part of those in his hands to Mr. M'Millan — 
and that Mr. Dod make inquiry concerning those in Col. 
M'Leary's hands. Adjourned to meet at the Upper meeting- 
house in the Forks, the 4th Tuesday of January next. Con- 
cluded with prayer. 

SEVENTH MEETING. 

January 25th, 1785. — The Presbytery met, according to 
adjournment, at the Upper meeting-house in the Forks, (17) 

And now we find, from the minutes of the Redstone Presbytery, that 
Dr. Ewing (pastor of the First Presbyterian church in Philadelphia,) 
did not forget to bring the Bibles along with him, leaving them at dif- 
ferent places on his route. 

(17) Upper Meeting-house, or Rehoboth, axd Lower Meeting- 
house, OR RouNDHiLL. — These, it is believed, are among the oldest 
congregations of our denomination west of the Allegheny mountains. 
The Rev. James Finley visited this part of the country about the year 
1772, and preached the gospel to a few scattered whites, who were living 
contiguous to the Indians. From this time, or till 1783, he occasionally 
visited this region, and by his preaching and Christian conversation, 
watered the seed which had been sown. On one of these visits, proba- 
bly about the year 1778, he gathered the scattered sheep of Christ's 
flock into regularly organized churches. Rehoboth, or Upper Meeting- 
house, as it was first called, is in Westmoreland County, about nine 
miles from Roundhill, or the Lower Meeting-house, which is in Alle- 
gheny County. At that time they were indeed like sheep in the midst 
of wolves. For the inhabitants were much annoyed by savage Indians ; 
and on the opposite side of the Monongahela river some fell victims to 
their barbarity. 

In the year 1784, Mr. Finley having taken his dismission from the 
New Castle Presbytery, took the pastoral charge of these congregations. 
After his death, which took place January 6th, 1795, these churches 
remained vacant two years or more, when the Rev. David Smith was 
installed over them. During the last year of his ministry among them, 
the Spirit of God was shed down upon these churches in a very remark- 
able manner ; and the Word preached seemed to be attended with a 
power that astonished the people, numbers falling down to the earth, 



UNITY CONGKEGATION AND DR. POWER. 333 

[Rehoboth,] ubi post preces sederunt, the Rev. Messrs. Jobn 
Clark, &c. 

The Rev. James Finley, a member of the New Castle 
Presbytery, being present and invited, sits as a correspon- 
dent. The Presbytery was opened with a sermon from John, 
V. 40, by Mr. Clark. 

The Presbytery, understanding that Unity Congregation 
is in considerable arrearages to Mr. Power, and also that they 
expect shortly to be supplied with a stated pastor, do there- 
fore order Mr. Finley to write to the sessions of that congre- 

and others crying out with distress, on account of their sins. At that 
memorable period, while in the full vigor of life, and in the midst of 
his usefulness, he was removed by death, August 24th, 1803. He was 
succeeded by the Rev. William Wylie, D.D., in 1805. At that time 
there were, in these churches, about 130 communicants. Dr. "Wylie 
continued their pastor till the spring of 1817, when, at his own request, 
he was dismissed. In the following June the Rev. Robert Johnston 
became their pastor. His ministry and labors among them continued 
in Roundhill till October, 1831, and in Rehoboth till December, 1832. 
The congregations remained vacant till July, 1833, when they were sup- 
plied by the Rev. N. H. Gillett, who was installed their pastor in De- 
cember, 1834. He continued the pastor of the united congregations till 
1841, when he was dismissed, at his own request, from Roundhill, Reho- 
both giving him a call for the whole of his services. He'remained as 
the pastor of Rehoboth until 1848, when he was dismissed, at his own 
request. In 1849, their present pastor, the Rev. James R. Hughes, re- 
ceiving from them a call, settled among them, and was installed their 
pastor. 

In the mean time, Roundhill gave a call to the Rev. William Eaton, 
in 1841, who became and continued their pastor till 1844, when, at his 
request, he was dismissed. In 1845, the Rev. A. Calhoon was ordained 
and installed their pastor. He was removed by death in the spring of 
1848. The congregation of Roundhill then remained vacant until the 
spring. of 1851, (though supplied by licentiates, Messrs. Edgar, Fulton 
and Hamilton,) when the Rev. Joseph Smith, their present pastor, re- 
ceiving from them a call, settled among them, and was installed in 
June following. The congregation of Roundhill have recently built a 
large and commodious house of worship in Elizabethtown, and wor- 
ship there and in their former house alternately. The number of com- 
municants in Rehoboth, in 1854, is 160— in Roundhill, 140. 



334 SETTLEMENTS REQUIRED. 

gation, and inform them that a settlement with Mr. Power 
must be produced at our meeting, in order to prevent disa- 
greeable consequences, and that Mr. Power and his congrega- 
tions produce a settlement for all past time, at our next spring 
meeting ; and that this order be made known to the congre- 
gations. Adjourned to meet at the Lower Meeting-house, 
on the third Tuesday of April next. Concluded with prayer. 

EIGHTH MEETING. 

Tuesday, April 19th, 1785. — The Presbytery met accord- 
ing to adjournment, at the Lower Meeting-house, (17) in the 
Forks. TJbi post preces sederunt, the Rev. Messrs. John 
M'Millan, &c. The Presbytery was opened with a sermon 
from Matthew ix., 12, by Mr. Power, 

Mr. M'Millan produces a settlement, whereby it appears 
that the balance due to him from the congregation of Chartiers 
is £107 16s M, which became due the 1st of February, 1785. 
And from the congregation at Pigeon Creek, £91 9s 3t?, 
which became due November 1st, 1784. Mr. Power's reasons 
for not fulfilling his appointments at Fort Pitt and Long 
Run, are sustained. Mr. Power produces settlements between 
him and his congregations, whereby it appears, that the 
balance due from the congregation of Mount Pleasant, by the 
1st of May next, is £90 15s 7c7 — and from the congregation 
of Sewickly, by the 1st of May next, £84 Is Od. Upon 
inquiry it was found that the congregations are satisfied with 
the diligence and care of their respective pastors. Adjourned 
to meet at Pigeon Creek, on the third Tuesday of June 
next. Concluded with prayer. 

NINTH MEETING. 

PIGEON CREEK, Tuesday, 21st of June, 1785.— The 
Presbytery met according to adjournment. Ubi post preces 
sederunt, the Rev. Messrs. John Clark, &c. 

The Rev. James Finley, (18) formerly a member of New 

(18) The Synod of New York and Philadelphia had, on the 17th of 
May, 1782, by their own act, dissolved the pastoral relation between 



HENRY TAYLOR'S APPEAL ISSUED, 335 

Castle Presbytery, having accepted a call -within our bounds, 
now applies to be admitted a member of this Presbytery. 
And upon producing sufficient testimonials, and a dismission 
from that Presbytery, is accordingly received, and takes his 
seat as a member of this. His elder is John Gaston. 

Henry Taylor being come, the Presbytery proceeded to 
hear the reasons of his appeal. The Presbytery having heard 
what each party had to say, and maturely deliberating on the 
whole, conclude that though Henry denies that the charge 
against him was proved, or that he had ever confessed that 
he had done what he was charged with ; and although the 
session, through inadvertency, we suppose, neglected to set 
down his acknowledgment to Mr. M'Millan, which we have 
now heard, viz : That he said Taylor had directed and assisted 
the company in going through a reel in dancing, which he 
supposed they had gone wrong in ; yet we think that the 
evidence of John Riddle, now offered to us by Mr. Taylor, 
viz : that Mr. Taylor, at the request of the company, had 
allowed them an hour to recreate themselves in dancing ; to- 
gether with the testimony of some members of the Presbytery 
who had heard him acknowledge the same at a former meet- 
ing, gives us sufficient reason to conclude that he did give such 
a relation to Mr. M'Millan, and did countenance and approve 
promiscuous dancing ; which was greatly aggravated in him 
by the circumstances mentioned in the minutes of the session, 
and some other things in the congregation did carry the ap- 

Mr. Einley and East Nottingham — and though they did not, as stated 
in the " Appendix to the Life of Macurdy," direct the Presbytery to 
dismiss him, yet as their act in dissolving the pastoral relation must 
have been mainly, if not solely, on the ground of his having received a 
call to the West, and of his desire to accept it, the Presbytery were 
virtually directed to dismiss him. Yet they do not report his dismission 
till May 19th, 1785. (See Records, p. 507.) Why this good man was 
treated in this manner does not appear. The Presbytery of Redstone 
seems to have received him informally, and to have permitted him to 
enter upon his full pastoral work, well understanding, no doubt, that it 
was not his fault that he had not, long before, received his dismission. 



336 MR. HUEY. — REVIVALS REFERRED TO. 

pearance of being clone in contempt. Therefore, as promis- 
cuous dancing is condemned by the body of the godly and 
judicious in all ages, as well as by our own standards, and is 
generally attended with bad effects, we cannot think that the 
sessions were too rigorous in their judgment ; and, therefore, 
with them, must conclude that Mr. Taylor, in order to admis- 
sion to church privileges, ought to acknowledge his fault before 
this Presbytery, or before the session of the congregation to 
which he belongs, and be admonished to be more circumspect 
for the future ; and that this his acknowledgment should be 
signified to the congregation by Mr. M'Millan. Finally, as 
Mr. Taylor declares that he did not act in the above affair 
out of contempt, we think this declaration ought to be 
received as candid and true. From this judgment, Mr. 
Taylor reserves a liberty of appealing to Synod, if, upon 
deliberation, he shall think proper. If he does appeal, the 
clerk is ordered to furnish him with a copy of the above judg- 
ment, upon his producing the reasons of his appeal. 

The Presbytery, finding that many difficulties arise from 
marriages celebrated by Mr. Hughy, (19) and such persons 
who have no authority, either civil or ecclesiastical, for so 
doing, do therefore judge that such marriages be discounte- 
nanced, and people cautioned against them as unlawful. 

The Presbytery, taking into consideration the unspeakable 
goodness of God, in planting his church, in this, not long 
since an howling wilderness, the habitation of savages; in 
accompanying his ordinances with the Almighty influences of 
his Holy Spirit (20) ; and considering also the great danger 

(19) Mr. Hughy. The Presbytery of Donegal reported to the Synod 
of New York and Philadelphia, May 19th, 1773, that they received the 
llev, Mr. Huey from the Presbytery of Derry, in Ireland — and in May 
18th, 1774, that they had suspended the Rev. Mr. Ilughey since the last 
meeting of Synod. (See printed Records, pp. 437 and 451.) This is 
probably the same man, though the name is spelt differently in each 
case ; and his general character, a little like his name, somewhat 
slippery. 

(20) This clause refers to some gracious seasons enjoyed by some of 



THE REV. JAMES GRIER. 337 

we are in of provoking God to withdraw those gracious influ- 
ences — and that multitudes are still careless and hardening 
under the means ; do therefore think it their incumbent duty 
to appoint a day of fasting and prayer, to be observed in 
their respective congregations, to implore a more plentiful out- 
pouring of divine influences upon the church in general, and 
upon his infant church in this land in particular, and at the same 
time to acknowledge with gratitude the many mercies, both 
special and common, conferred upon us. We do therefore 
appoint the first Thursday of September, to be observed for 
the above purposes. Adjourned to meet at Peter's creek on 
the third Tuesday of October next. Concluded with prayer. 

TENTH MEETING. 

PETERS' CREEK, Oct. 18th, 1785. — The Presbytery 
met according to adjournment. Ubr post preces sederunt, 
the Rev. Messrs. John Clark, &c. The Presbytery was opened 
with a sermon on Phil. i. 28, by Mr, M'Millan. 

The Rev. James Grier, member of the Presbytery of Phil- 
adelphia, being present, and invited, sits as a correspondent. 

Messrs. M'Allister and John Hopkins, having represented 
to Presbytery that Mr. Barr, a member of New Castle Pres- 
bytery, during his preaching in these parts, appeared to ne- 
glect the measures ordinarily taken, in the admissions of per- 
sons to baptism, and in the administration of that ordinance ; 
and having desired to know whether we did approve of such 
measures, viz. : the omitting the confession of faith in baptism, 

the churches shortly before that time, June, 1785. In the Western 
Missionary Magazine, Vol. II., p. 289, is the following passage, that 
may in part serve to illustrate this clause. " At the time the Lord's 
supper was administered at Buffalo, in the fall of 1783, about one hun- 
dred of the subjects of this good work were admitted to communion ; 
and many were awakened on that solemn occasion. The awakening 
and hopeful conversion of sinners continued and increased through 
three or four years ; nor was there much appearance of a decline for 
six or seven years after it began." 
22 



338 MR. BARR — WHAT REQUIRED OF HIM. 

as in the case of one Meek ; and baptizing privately, when it 
might have been done publicly, as in the case of one Gilke- 
son ; and baptizing four persons, without proper inquiry into 
their moral character, as in the foregoing instances and some 
others ; the Presbytery are fully satisfied that the measures 
they have observed are just and necessary ; and agree that 
further inquiry be made into the supposed irregular conduct 
of Mr. Barr.(21) 

Mr. Clark, Mr. Smith, and Mr. M'Millan, are appointed 
as a committee to examine and receive, if the way be clear, 
and make appointments for such ministers and candidates as 
may come into our bounds before the next meeting of Pres- 
bytery. Mr. Finley is appointed to preach in Mr. Dunlap's 
congregation as soon as convenient, and use his best endea- 
vors to promote a settlement between him and his people, for 
the relief of Mr. Dunlap in his present difficult circumstances. 

(21) We see how our fathers disapproved of any laxity in the admi- 
nistration of the seals of the covenant, and in the exercise of discipline. 
Had they connived at the beginnings of a looser system, whereunto 
might the evil have grown ? The report of some irregularities, in re- 
gard to the administration of baptism, reaching their ears, they not 
only express their decided views on the subject, but adopt another -wise 
precaution, before they adjourn — the appointment of a committee of 
three, Messrs. Clark, Smith, and M'Millan, to stand, as it were, at the 
gates of the city, and examine ministers and candidates from other 
Presbyteries and foreign bodies, and " make appointments for them." 

There is something rather unpromising about the alleged conduct of 
Mr. Barr. The Synod had given his Presbytery (New Castle,) leave 
to ordain him, sine iitulo, " in order that he may travel through the 
various churches of the Southern States," only a few months before. 
(Print. Rec, p. 511.) But here we find him in the West, and likely to 
give trouble ; we shall hear more of him after awhile. The Presbytery 
of New Brunswick, on the 19th of May, 1785, reported him as a licensed 
candidate from the Presbytery of Derry, in Ireland. (Rec, p. 507.) 
Ireland was a fountain that then, and for many years after, sent forth 
streams both sweet 'and bitter. If Dr. M'Millan got, as a friend and 
brother to cheer him all his life, a Pcolslon—hQ also got a Birch to plague 
him, — both from Ireland! 



MR. ADDISON — NOTE ABOUT HIM. 339 

Adjourned to meet at Pigeon Creek the third Tuesday in 
December next. Concluded with prayer. 



ELEVENTH MEETING. 

PIGEON CREEK, Dec. 20th, 1785. — The Presbytery 
met according to adjournment. Ubi post preces sederunt, 
the Rev. Messrs, James Finley, &c. The Presbytery was 
opened by Mr. Addison, a candidate from Scotland, with a 
sermon from Romans v. 10. The committee appointed to 
examine such ministers and candidates as may come into our 
bounds is continued. 

Mr. Alexander Addison, a candidate from the Presbytery 
of Aberlowe, in Scotland, having produced a copy of his 
licensure, and a certificate of his good deportment from said 
Presbytery, and having also applied to this Presbytery to be 
taken under our care, the Presbytery proceeded to make some 
inquiries of him, in order to their having clearness for said 
purpose ; but, after conversing with him at some length, did 
not obtain th6 satisfaction desired ; and, therefore, cannot 
agree to receive him as a candidate under their care, without 
some limitation : yet, as some things appear very agreeable in 
Mr. Addison, they are not without hopes of obtaining such 
satisfaction, and therefore permit him to preach in our bounds 
until the next meeting of Presbytery. Application was made 
from the town of Washington for the stated labors of Mr. 
Addison until our next meeting, and also for a member to 
moderate in drawing up a call for him. The Presbytery 
agree that Mr. Addison's labors be allowed statedly, until our 
next meeting, to the town of Washington ; but as the mode- 
rating, in drawing up a call, does not consist with a minute 
of Synod on this subject, we cannot at present make the ap- 
pointment. (22) 

(22) We have not been able to find the " minute of Synod" referred 
to ; but it is of no consequence. The cautious and guarded manner in 
which the Presbytery acted in this case, was, no doubt, intended to 



340 MR. ADDISON — WHAT BECAME OF HIM. 

Mr/Barr, a member of the Presbytery of New Castle, being 
present, informed us that a call had been drawn up for him 
by the united congregations of Pittsburg and Pittstownship, 
under the inspection of Mr. Finley ; and that upon this call 
being presented to him, he declared his acceptance thereof, 
upon condition that this Presbytery approve thereof. "We do 
approve thereof, provided Mr. Barr becomes a member of this 
Presbytery. Adjourned to meet at the Upper meeting-house, 
in the forks of Youghiogheny, the third Tuesday of April 
next. Concluded with prayer. 

TWELFTH MEETING. 

REHOBOTH, Tuesday, April 18th, 1786. Presbytery 
met according to adjournment. Ubi post preces sederunt, the 
Rev. Messrs. James Finley, &c. The Presbytery was opened 
with a sermon on Ps. Ixxi. 16, by Mr. M'Millan. The com- 
mittee for examining such ministers and candidates as may 
come into our bounds, continued. 

Upon inquiry, found the congregations satisfied with the 
diligence and care of their respective pastors. 

The Presbytery having formerly urged this congregation 
(Unity,) to settle with Mr. Power for the time of his laboring 
among them, and as they have given no notice of their com- 
pliance, the Presbytery deem it improper to appoint them 
supplies, until they have given satisfaction with regard to 
such settlement. A supplication for supplies from Wheeling 
brought in and read. 

Upon a new application of the town of Washington, the 
Presbytery agree that Mr. Addison continue to preach until 
the meeting of Synod.(23) 

avoid giving offence to the people of Washington, and to deal tenderly 
with Mr. Addison. 

(23) Mr. Addison, after some time, gave up preaching, and turned 
his attention to the Law — became a member of the Washington bar, 
and rose to distinction as a lawyer. He afterwards became a Judge of 
the Court, and acted in this capacity during the latter part of his life— 



HENRY Taylor's submission. 341 

The Presbytery being sufficiently informed that the con- 
gregation of Sewickly are divided in their sentiments respect- 
ing the place of public worship — that one party has deter- 
mined to build at a place remote from the place first agreed 
upon, the other determined not to join with them ; by which, 
Mr. Power is quite embarrassed, and refers to the Presbytery 
to judge what his future conduct should be. The Presbytery, 
after considering the matter, resolved that unless said con- 
gregation do alter their proceedings, Mr. Power cannot con- 
tinue with them as formerly; and that, therefore, he call them 
together, and inform them thereof. The Presbytery do also 
judge that unless they agree to join together, the union be- 
tween him and them should continue no longer than until the 
1st of May next ; but that he after that should be at liberty 
to accept of an offer from any other quarter. 

Henry Taylor appeared before Presbytery, and signified 
that, upon due deliberation, he was earnestly desirous that 
the jar between him and the Presbytery, respecting a judg- 
ment concerning his conduct on a certain occasion, be re- 
moved, and to live in love and concord with that branch of 
the church where he resides : and therefore professes that he 
is sorry that, by his conduct, he has given offence to the 
church ; and that he will conscientiously guard against the 
like conduct for the future, and is willing to submit to an ad- 
monition before the Presbytery. The Presbytery agree to 
accept of his acknowledgment and promise, and that the 
Moderator do admonish him accordingly, and that this judg- 

residing in Pittsburg till his death. He took an active part in the 
affairs of the first Presbyterian church, and was its efficient friend and 
supporter. 

"Alexander Addison was president of the courts in the four counties; 
and I venture to say that a more intelligent, learned, upright, and fear- 
less judge was not to be found in the State." — Dr. Carnahan's "Western 
Insurrection." 

"His charge to the Grand Jury, September 1st, 1794, during the 
Insurrection, is a noble monument of his talents and worth." — See 
Haz. Reg., Vol. XII., p. 241. 



342 HUGH MORRISON, JR. 

merit be read before the congregation of Cbartiers. To tliis 
judgment, *IMr. Taylor submitted, and was admonished accord- 
ingly. Adjourned to meet at Pigeon Creek the third Tuesday 
of August next. Concluded with prayer. 

THIRTEENTH MEETING. 

PIGEON CREEK, Tuesday, Aug. 15th, 1786.— The Pres- 
bytery met according to adjournment. Ubi post preces 
sederunt, the Rev. Messrs. James Finley, &c. The Presby- 
tery was opened with a sermon from 2 Cor. xi. 9, by Mr. 
Hugh Morrison, a candidate from the Presbytery of Roote, in 
Ireland. 

Mr. Smith reported settlement with Cross Creek — has 
nothing to demand from them, save what became due from 
December last. 

Mr. Power reports that he called the congregation of Se- 
wickly together, according to the order of Presbytery, and 
notified them of the judgment of Presbytery : that the heads 
of the congregation, after consultation being had, informed 
him that they determined to continue in union, and had fixed 
upon a spot of ground for erecting a house of worship, and 
that, in the mean time, they desired him to preach at the old 
meeting-house ; that therefore he yet continued with them as 
usual. A supplication for supplies brought in and read. Sup- 
plies granted to George's Creek and Three Ridges by 
Mr. Dod. 

The Presbytery, upon deliberation, find it is not in their 
power to make any appointments on the Sabbath for Unity 
and Salem congregations, as all the members have already as 
many appointments as they can fulfil before our fall meeting. 
Mr. Finley, however, is appointed to preach at Unity on a 
week-day as soon as convenient, and endeavor to have a set- 
tlement made between them and Mr. Power. Their suppli- 
cation for liberty to present a call to Mr. Hugh Morrison, Jr., 
the Presbytery conceive cannot be granted, as they are entire 
strangers to the gentleman, and know not whether ever he 



SKETCH OF THE REV. JOHN BRICE. 343 

was regularly licensed to preach the gospel ; he having never 
called upon the committee, nor shown his credentials to any 
member of the Presbytery, The Presbytery conceive that 
the supplication of Mingo Creek, Horse-Shoe Bottom, and 
Pike Run congregations, for a man to preside in drawing up 
a call for Mr. H. Morrison, Jr., cannot be granted for the 
reasons assigned above. Mr. Hugh Morrison, Sen., a candi- 
date from the Presbytery of Roote, in Ireland, applied to be 
taken under the care of this Presbytery ; but the Presbytery 
did not see their way clear to admit him. 

G. Latimer applied to Presbytery, requesting a rehearing 
of the affair between him and Deborah Ross. The Presby- 
tery agree that he have liberty to offer whatever new light he 
thinks may be of use to him upon the subject ; and if it shall 
appear that he affords new light, that then they will recon- 
sider the affair. The Presbytery appoint Messrs. Alexander 
M'Clure, ^neas M'Allister, James Moor, George Shields, 
John Fulton, and William Beard, elders, to meet at John 
Man's, near Long Run, with Mr. M'Millan, who, with them, is 
appointed to hear and determine in an affair between a certain 
John Hamilton and Sarah Reyburn, on Tuesday week ; and 
that a copy of this minute be sent to said Sarah, who is 
ordered to attend, as well as said Hamilton, with what evi- 
dence they have. Messrs. John Brice (24) and James Hughes 

(24) " The Rev. John Brice was a native of Hartford County, Mary- 
land. He removed -with the family to Western Pennsylvania, and re- 
ceived his education chiefly under the direction of the Rev. Joseph 
Smith. He studied theology partly under Mr. Smith, and partly under 
Mr. Dod. He and James Hughes were students together at Mr. Smith's, 
and were licensed together, April 15th, 1788, by the Presbytery of Red- 
stone. By the same Presbytery he was ordained and installed pastor 
of the congregations Three Ridges and Forks of Wheeling, April 22d, 
1790. When the Presbytery of Ohio was formed in 1793, he was one 
of its original members. In the above-named congregations, he labored 
until abo.ut the year 1807, when, on account of ill-health, the pastoral 
relation between him and them was dissolved. He still continued, how- 
ever, to preach the gospel in Green County, Pennsylvania, and in the 



344 SKETCH OF THE REV. JAMES HUGHES. 

(25) appeared before Presbytery, and offered themselves to 
be taken on trials in order to their being licensed to preach 
the gospel. The Presbytery proceeded to converse with them 

adjacent parts of Virginia, as often as health would permit, until the 
18th of April, 1810, when he was dismissed to connect himself with 
the Presbytery of Lancaster. He died the next year, August 26th, 
1811, aged fifty-one years. He was a man of nervous temperament, 
subject, occasionally, to great despondency of mind, but of deep piety. 
His labors were attended with a divine blessing, and many rich fruits 
of his ministry have appeared, since his decease, both in his former 
charge and in the country adjacent. The late Rev. John Brice M'Coy, 
of the Presbytery of Washington, who died at Wheeling October 18th, 
1841, was his grandson." — Append. Life of Macurdy. 

" The Rev. Mr. Brice married one of the sisters of James and John 
Kerr, both sons-in-law of the Rev. Dr. Power, and was called to Wheel- 
ing, where he became pastor of two congregations — one at West Alex- 
ander, and the other at the Forks of Wheeling, near Sheppard's. In 
the summer of 1792, I think it was, I was living in Wheeling, when 
John Kerr and his sister died on the same day. Mrs. Brice died on 
Sabbath-day, whilst her husband was two or more miles distant, admin- 
istering the sacrament I was boarding in the family of a James Mai*- 
tin, whose wife attended Mrs. Brice in her last moments. At that time 
Mrs. Martin had an infant at home ; and therefore, after paying the 
last duties to the departed, returned, and told her husband, a young 
woman residing in the family, and myself, that Mrs. Brice was dead ; 
and that nearly her last words were ' My brother John will die to-day ! 
and this night we'll meet in heaven !' We did not hear from John 
Kerr, who really died the same day, until the ensuing Friday ; and 
who, we were told, made, in his last moments, a similar declaration. 
The circumstances which I have here related were strange ; but they 
are stated as they occurred." — William Darby, Esq. 

Mr. John Kerr's residence was on Pigeon Creek, twenty-five miles 
from the residence of his sister ! 

(25) " The Rev. James Hughes was a native of York County, Penn- 
sylvania. His father, Rowland Hughes, emigrated from England. His 
parents were both esteemed for their consistent religious character ; 
especially his mother, who was eminently pious. About the year 1780, 
he removed, with his mother and family, to Washington County ; his 
father having died about a year before. His education, so far as we 
have been able to learn anything respecting it, was prosecuted under 
the direction of the Rev. Joseph Smith, of Upper Buffalo, in that county ; 
with whom it is also probable that he studied theology." [" Jamea 




RiY© JAMIES U U^ 



U U fit aJi 



IrJ V^) 'fi nj 



PiTSt Preacher of Ihe Gospel liceased. intke Wes\, and first President of Miami Universily. 



P SSmm/ltCf^nnun, MnrmJUi/' 



SKETCH OF THE REV. JAMES HUGHES. 345 

on their experimental acquaintance with religion, and proposed 
to them several cases of conscience, and having obtained satis- 
faction on these points, agreed to take them on trials. The 

Hughes, while with that critic, Mr. Dod, acquired, or rather in him was 
developed, a taste for the accuracies and intricacies of science, which 
he still improved until he became the president of a state university." 
— Letter of Rev. J. Lindley."] "He was licensed to preach the gospel 
April 15 th, 1788, by the Presbytery of Redstone. His labors appear 
to have been very acceptable to the churches, as three several calls were 
presented to him : one from the united congregations of Short Creek 
and Lower Buffalo ; one from Donegal, Fairfield, and Wheatfield; and 
one from New Providence and the South Fork of Ten-Mile. The first 
of these calls he accepted, and was ordained by the same Presbytery, 
and installed the pastor of Short Creek and Lower Buffalo on the 21st 
of April, 1790.-" — Pres. Ad. 1845, and App. to Life of Macurdy. 

The following extract from " Fragment of Recollections," written by 
Charles Hammond, Esq., of Cincinnati, a man of distinguished emi- 
nence and worth, and published by him in the Cincinnati Gazette in 
1838, is worthy of an insertion here. We do not know to which of Mr. 
Hughes's churches Mr. Hammond refers, but it is not material : — 

"In the month of June, 1788, an arrangement was completed for 
organizing a religious congregation many miles in advance of any exist- 
ing congregation. Preparation was made in the depth of the forest. 
A rough wooden erection was constructed as a pulpit, and felled timber 
was arranged as seats. Thursday was the day of the week selected for 
the first meeting ; and the sun never shone on a more genial day in the 
month of June. For miles around the whole population was collected 
together. The minister came to make his trial sermon, a young licen- 
tiate, with his young wife in company. In the tract of country I have 
described, the Presbyterian clergy were the religious pioneers — John 
M'Millan and Joseph Smith. Young men studied divinity in the pri- 
vate establishments of those pioneers. More than this, they acquired 
all the elements of such education as they possessed in these same 
family establishments. From these beginnings the college at Canons- 
burg arose. The founders were the clergymen I have named, and their 
few friends and associates. 

" The minister who presented himself to mi^ke his trial sermon on that 
day was the pupil and son-in-law of the Rev. Joseph Smith. 

" The Rev. James Hughes has since been well known as a faithful and 
unpretending preacher of the gospel in the Presbyterian church. In 
its infancy this church was sadly divided upon the vexed question of 
Psalmody. For this it wag rooted out from its first locality, furnished 



346 SKETCH OF THE KEV. JAMES HUGHES. 

Presbytery examined them on the Latin and Greek languages, 
and metaphysics. — Sustained. 

Presbytery examined Messrs. Price and Hughes on logic 

by a zealous member. A stranger of the Episcopal church bestowed 
its abiding-spot in the immediate vicinity. 

" In these congregations he labored upwards of 24 years with very 
encouraging success. During that period, a number of revivals occurred 
under his ministry, and many precious souls were born into the king- 
dom of Christ. On the 29th of June, 1814, he resigned his pastoral 
charge, and was dismissed by the Presbytery of Ohio, to which he then 
belonged, and of which he was an original member, to join the Presby- 
tery of Miami. About the same time he* removed to Urbana, Ohio ; 
■where, for three years, he acted as a stated supply and missionary. In 
the month of June, 1818, he was chosen Principal of what is now the 
Miami University. This office he accepted and held to the time of his 
death ; which occurred May 22d, 1821, at Oxford, Butler County, Ohio, 
in the 56th year of his age. He died firmly resting on the atoning 
blood of that Saviour whom he had so long and so faithfully preached. 
" At every time, through his sickness, when he could converse, he ex- 
pressed his unwavering confidence in the atonement of Christ ; and that 
overcoming faith cheered him in his dying hours. With the utmost 
composure, tranquillity, and resignation, he languished and died. He 
expressed great anxiety for the prosperity of Sion, for which he had 
been so long zealously engaged. He died as he lived. lie was always, 
through life, aloof from the world, and escaped all contentions about 
worldly afi"airs. He was an afi'ectionate husband and father, ruling his 
house according to the testimony of the Lord." — " Mr. Hughes was an 
early and decided friend of missions. He was an active member of the 
Board of Trustees of the Western Missionary Society for a number of 
years, and, as appears from their records, was a very constant attendant 
on their meetings. Besides other missionary tours in destitute settle- 
ments, he performed two journeys, at least, as a missionary to the Indian 
tribes on the Sandusky River." 

Mr. Hughes's Journal while on his missionary tour among the Wy- 
andots, published in the Miss. Mag., Vol. I. p. 401-6, is one of the most 
interesting and instructive we ever read. He was eminently successful 
in this work. Nothing but time and opportunity were wanting to have 
made him another Brainerd. 

" The Rev. Smiley Hughes, who died shortly after he was licensed, and 
the Rev. Thomas E. Hughes, deceased, were his brothers. He had two 
sons who entered the ministry, viz. : the Rev. Joseph S. Hughes, and 



MR. HUGH MORRISON. 347 

and moral philosophy, and Mr. Hughes on mathematics and 
natural philosophy — all sustained. Presbytery assigned to 
Mr. Hughes an Exegesis — "An sit originale peccatum?" 
Mr. Brice, ditto — "An mortuorum resurrectio erit?" — both 
at next spring meeting. Adjourned to meet at Dunlap's 
Creek the third Tuesday in October. Concluded with prayer. 

FOURTEENTH MEETING. 

DUNLAP'S CREEK, 17th Oct., 1786.— Presbytery met 
according to adjournment. Ubi post preces sederunt, the 
Rev. Messrs. J. Finley, &c. Presbytery opened with a ser- 
mon on Hosea ii. 1, 2, by Mr. Dod. Mr. Finley reports that 
he had fulfilled his appointment at Unity, and a plan adopted 
for settling with Mr. Power. The committee sent to Long 
Run report they had come to a judgment in the affair ; that 
Mr. Hamilton appealed, but is not now present to sustain it. 

The Presbytery being informed that Mr. Hugh Morrison, 
Sen., has misrepresented the conduct of this Presbytery 
relative to him, Mr. Clark and Mr. M'Millan are appointed, 
when they preach at Montour's Run and Potato Garden, to 
set that matter in a proper point of light, and warn the people 
against encouraging him. George Latimer now come — and it 
appearing that some new light may be obtained respecting his 
affair, the Presbytery agree to hear, and determine the same 
at their next meeting. 

A reference from the sessions of Dunlap's creek, respecting 
a certain Armstrong Porter — bf ought in, and the minutes of 
the session relative thereto read*: by which it appears that 
said Armstrong Porter has been guilty of profane swearing — 
the evidence of which he does not deny — and also that he 
absents himself from public worship, which he acknowledges ; 
but his reasons do not appear sufficient. Upon the whole, 

the Rev. Thomas E. Hughes, of the Presbytery of Oxford. The Rev. 
David S. Anderson, who is also a member of the Presbytery of Oxford, 
is his nephew." — Pres. Ad. 1845, and App. to Life of Macurdy. 



348 EEV. WAITE CORNWELL. 

the Presbytery judge that the said Armstrong Porter submit 
to a rebuke from the Moderator of the session, and promise 
reformation and a more circumspect walk in future and that 
a copy of this minute be referred to the congregation upon 
which he may be admitted to privileges in case the session 
have nothing further against him. Mr. Porter does not see 
fit to submit to the aforesaid judgment. Adjourned to meet 
at Sewickly on the first Tuesday of December. Concluded 
with prayer. 

The meeting at Sewickly being prevented by the extremity 
of the season, the members who did attend, appointed to 
meet at the stated time, at Roundhill. 

FIFTEENTH MEETING. 

ROUNDHILL, April 17th, 1787.— Presbytery met ac- 
cording to adjournment. Ubi post preces sederunt, Rev. 
Messrs. James Finley, &c. Presbytery opened with a sermon 
from Matthew x., 32, 38, by Mr. Waite Cornwell, (26) a 
licensed candidate from an association of Connecticut. The 
Rev. Samuel Barr, having accepted a call within our bounds 
— was received from the New Castle Presbytery. 

An application from Sewickly, requesting one-fourth part 
of Mr. Power's time. Mr. Cornwell, willing to tarry some 
time in these parts and under the direction of the Presbytery, 
and they being fully satisfied of his being regularly licensed, 

(26) Waite Corn-well. The librarian of Yale College, from whom, 
through the Rev. Dr. Sprague, information ahout Mr. Cornwell waa 
sought, states : " By the class catalogue, I find that the Rev. Waite 
Cornwell came to the college from Middletown, and was graduated in 
1782, In Dr. David C. Field's Centennial Address, or rather in a note 
appended to it, it is stated that Waite Cornwell preached occasionally, 
but never had charge of a parish — moved, late in life, to some part of 
the state of Ohio, where he died, in March, 1816. I find nothing more 
concerning him." The Rev. Dr. Lindley states that he assisted Mr. 
Dod, during a revival at Lindley's Fort, in 1787. His health was feeble, 
which probably led to his travelling, and prevented his settling as a 
pastor. 



JUDGMENT IjST MR. LATIMER'S CASE. 349 

and of his good moral character, from his testimonials, took 
him under their direction. 

Mr. Finley, having made application in behalf of Unity 
Congregation for supplies — Mr. Barr appointed to inform 
them by writing, " That the Presbytery are surprised that the 
settlement with Mr. Power is deferred so long ; and that they 
cannot consistently expect any supplies until such settlement 
is made." Presbytery find that members had fulfilled their 
appointments generally. When otherwise, reasons sustained. 

The supplies from the south part of Sewickly congregation 
being taken under consideration, it is thought proper that the 
Rev. Mr. Clark, Messrs. A. Mitchell, and A. M'Clure be ap- 
pointed to attend at the usual place of meeting in Sewickly 
congregation, on the first Tuesday of June next, in order to 
take the minds of the people in both parts of the congrega- 
tion respecting their continuing as a united body. And if 
they do not agree to remain united, to see that a fair settle- 
ment be made with Mr. Power, in order to prepare the way 
for a dismission at our next meeting, by their representatives, 
duly prepared to give such light as may be necessary in order 
to a final issue of the matter. 

John Hamilton appeared before Presbytery, and <iesired 
that a new committee be appointed to reconsider his aiFair. 
The Presbytery being of opinion that Mr. Hamilton has not 
given them sufficient reason to expect any new light on the 
afiair, cannot agree to grant his request, and consequently do 
confirm the judgment of the committee. 

George Latimer and Deborah Ross being present, the 
Presbytery proceeded to consider their affair. The Presby- 
tery, after maturely deliberating upon it, and examining all 
the witnesses that were produced on either side, cannot but 
testify their abhorrence of such conduct as is mentioned in 
D. Ross's solemn declaration ; and had there been no obscurity 
thrown on her evidence by the seeming, (though perhaps not 
ill-designed) variations in her conduct and evidence, we would 
have been very clear in asserting that the censure in the 



350 MESSRS. M'GREADY and PATTERSON INTRODUCED. 

former judgment was low, but as Mrs. Ross's evidence is 
rendered, in part, somewhat dubious, although there is too 
much ground to suspect immodest conduct in Mr. Latimer, 
yet we cannot, with sufficient clearness, fix such a positive 
censure upon him — but think there is ground for : and we do 
hereby admonish him to be more cautious and watchful in 
time to come : and as this afifair is become public, do order 
this judgment to be read to the congregation of which he has 
been a member, on the Sabbath day. To this judgment the 
parties submitted. 

Upon inquiry, congregations are satisfied with the diligence 
and care of their pastors. 

Mr. Clark represents that the congregation of Lebanon has 
not taken efiectual measures to discharge their dues to him ; 
and that he apprehends it will be necessary to notify said 
congregation that such application will be made, and call 
upon them to attend, by their representatives, duly prepared 
to do what is necessary in the affair. Mr. M'Clure is appointed 
to notify the congregation thereof. 

Messrs. Joseph Patterson and James M'Gready, having 
offered themselves to be taken on trial, in order to their being 
licensed to preach the gospel, the Presbytery proceeded to 
examine them on their experimental acquaintance with reli- 
gion, cases of conscience, logic, and moral philosophy, and 
Mr. M'Gready on Latin and Greek, — all sustained, as parts 
of trial. 

Messrs. Brice and Hughes — their Exegeses sustained. Mr. 
Brice appointed to prepare a discourse on John vi. 29 ; Mr. 
Hughes, on Bom. iii. 28, by next meeting. Mr. Patterson, 
an Exegesis, " Whether miracles are an evidence of a divine 
mission, and what miracles do prove such mission?" by next 
meeting. Mr. M'Gready, "An sit concursus Dei cum omni- 
bus hominum actionibus?" by next meeting. Presbytery 
proceeded to read and consider the plan of government and 
discipline proposed by the committee of the Synod of New 
York and Philadelphia, and find many things which should 



HISTORY OF LEBANON CONGREGATION. 851 

be altered, and many omitted, which, we apprehend, ought 
to be in a draught of church discipline. Adjourned to meet 
at Lebanon the third Tuesday in August. Concluded with 
prayer. 

SIXTEENTH MEETING. 

LEBANON, (27) Aug. 21st, 1787. (28) — Presbytery met, 
&c. Opened with a sermon by Mr. Dod from Psalms ex. 3. 
Mr. Barr reports — fulfilled, (his writing to Unity congrega- 

(27) Lebanon. — This church was probably organized by the Rev. Dr. 
M'Millaa in 1778 or 1779. Its first pastor was the Rev. John Clark, it 
being then united with Bethel in 1781 or 1782. Mr. Clark was received 
into the Presbytery of Redstone, at Pigeon Creek, March 12th, 1783, 
(see Minutes,) but appears to have entered informally upon his pastoral 
labors, in his united charge of Bethel and Lebanon, some time before. 
They were then called the eastern and western divisions of Peters' 
Creek congregation. The pastoral relation between Mr. Clark and 
Lebanon was dissolved April 17th, 1788. It appears to have continued 
vacant, and been supplied occasionally by the Presbytery, till June 28th, 
1797, when it united again with Bethel, under the pastoral care of the 
Rev. Wm. Woods. It became vacant again in 1820 ; Bethel taking the 
whole of Mr. W.'s pastoral labors thenceforward. It subsequently had 
as its pastors, the Rev. T. Baird, (for many years the editor of the 
Christian Herald,) the Rev. S. Henderson, (now of Beaver Presbytery,) 
the Rev. W. G. Johnston — dismissed, June 21st, 1843— recalled, August 
31st, 1843~again dismissed, April 15th, 1845 ; the Rev. J. M'Conoughy 
— settled, January 30th, 1846 — dismissed, September 5th, 1848 ; and the 
Rev. 0. H. Miller, the present pastor — settled, second Thursday in 
February, 1849. Number of communicants reported in 1854 — 140. 

(28) 1787. — During this year, the Constitution of the United States 
was adopted, and our country commenced a new career of prosperity. 
It was during this year, also, that the " Ordinance for the government 
of the North-Western Territory" was passed, which resulted in immense 
benefit, not only to the country embraced by the Territory, but to west- 
ern Pennsylvania and Virginia, by eventually securing complete relief 
from Indian troubles, and opening the way for rapid emigration from 
western Pennsylvania, over the Ohio river, and thus carrying Presby- 
terianism over the boundless West. This was, therefore, the Amius 
mirahilis for our forefathers ; but their troubles from border warfare did 
not entirely cease till six years afterwards. 



352 CANDIDATES EXAMINED — EXERCISES APPOINTED. 

tion.) The committee appointed to meet at Sewicklj — re- 
ported, fulfilled — and that after all their endeavors, found 
but little ground to expect a union ; and that upon this, they 
urged them to be speedy, and use their utmost endeavors to 
settle their arrearages to Mr. Power, and report the same to 
this Presbytery. 

Mr. Power reports that the judgment in the case of G. 
Latimer and D. Ross was read publicly, according to order. 

Mr. Robert Hall having offered some reason to expect new 
light upon an affair between him and the session of Mount 
Pleasant, Presbytery agreed to grant them a new hearing at 
their meeting next Spring ; and ordered Mr. Power to grant 
citations for witnesses when he saw it necessary, or was ap- 
plied to for that purpose. 

The affair of Mr. Clark and Lebanon congregation deferred 
till next meeting. 

The affair of Sewickly congregation and Mr. Power being 
maturely considered, the Presbytery, after all the light they 
could obtain, found it necessary that the pastoral relation 
between him and them should be dissolved, and it is hereby 
dissolved. The Presbytery also enjoin it upon said congre- 
gation, that they take effectual measures to settle and pay 
off their arrearages to Mr. Power, and report the same at the 
next meeting of Presbytery. Mr. Power is appointed to read 
this minute publicly to the congregation. 

Messrs. Finley, Power, and Dunlap are appointed as a com- 
mittee to examine and appoint such ministers and candidates 
as may come into our bounds until October, 1788. 

Messrs. Brice and Hughes — their discourses — sustained.* 
Mr. B. had appointed to him a Presbyterial exercise on Heb. 
xi. 27, and Mr. H. on Rom. viii. 3, by next meeting. 

Mr. Patterson — his Exegesis — sustained.* A homily ap- 
pointed to him on Gal. iii. 24, by next meeting. 

* These and similar abbreviated forms of expression, in these cases, 
will henceforward be employed. 



HISTORY OF BETHEL CONGREGATION. 353 

John Brice, Joseph Patterson, and James M'Gready, exa- 
mined on Natural Philosophy, and James Hughes with them 
on Theology, at some length — all sustained. Adjourned to 
meet at Pigeon Creek the third Tuesday in October. Con- 
cluded with prayer. 

Seventeenth meeting. 

PIGEON CREEK, Oct. 16th, 1787.— Presbytery met, &c. 
Opened with a sermon from Micah vi. 8, by Mr. Smith. 

The affair of Mr. Clark and Lebanon congregation deferred 
till next meeting, as no commissioner appears from that con- 
gregation. The Presbytery recommend to that congregation 
to do all in their power to discharge their arrearages to Mr. 
Clark, and appear at our next meeting, duly prepared to have 
the affair finally issued. 

No report from Sewickly congregation. 

Mr. M'Gready read his Exegesis, which was sustained. A 
homily appoirrted him on Rom. iii. 31, by next meeting. 

Messrs. Brice and Hughes — their Presbyterial exercises — 
sustained. A lecture appointed to Mr. Hughes on Hebrews 
xii. 22-29 ; and to Mr. Brice, on John iii. 1-9, by next 
meeting. 

Mr. Patterson — his homily — sustained. A Presbyterial 
exercise on Genesis iii. 15, appointed him, by next meeting. 
Adjourned, to meet at Bethel, the second Tuesday in Decem- 
ber. Concluded with prayer. 

eighteenth meeting. 
BETHEL, (29) Tuesday, Dec. 11th, 1787.— Presbytery 

(29) Bethel. — This church, in Snowden township, Allegheny County, 
is one of the oldest of our western churches. In the latter part of 1778, 
or early in 1779, the Rev. Dr. M'Millan first preached the gospel within 
its bounds ; and, probably, about that time organized the church. The 
Rev. Jobn Clark became its pastor about the year 1781. It was then 
united with Lebanon, under his pastoral care. Its bounds were at first 
quite extensive. Several Presbyterian churches have since been formed 
23 



3r54 LEBANON DOING BETTER. 

met, &c. Opened ■with a lecture from John iii. 1-9 , by Mr. 
J. Brice. 

Mr. Patterson — his Presbyterial exercise — sustained. A 
lecture on John xv. 1-8, assigned to him by next meeting. 

Mr. M'Gready — his homily — sustained. A Presbyterial 
exercise on Heb. ii. 9-16, assigned hira bjj next meeting. 

Messrs. Brice, Hughes, Patterson, and M'Gready examined 
on systematic theology — sustained. Messrs. Brice and 
Hughes — lectures — sustained. A popular sermon on Phillip- 
pians ii. 12, latter clause, assigned to Mr. Brice — and on 
Psalms Ixxxix. 16, to Mr. Hughes — by next meeting. The 
Presbytery finding that the affair between Mr. Clark and 
Lebanon congregation is in a fair way to be settled, defer 
any further procedure therein till our next meeting. Ad- 
journed to meet at Mount Pleasant, third Tuesday of April. 
Concluded with prayer. 

within its original limits : Bethany, (now under the pastoral care of the 
Rev. Dr. Jeffery,) Pisgah, Centre, and Concord. Its first elders were 
James Dinsmore, James Brice, and James Kirkpatrick. Mr. Clark 
continued its pastor till his death, July 13th, 1797. But a short time 
before his death, the Rev. Wm. Woods, a native of Lancaster County, 
and a graduate of Dickinson College — having received his theological 
training partly from the Rev. Dr. R. Smith, of Pequca, and partly from 
the Rev. Dr. Witherspoon — after spending some time as a missionary 
licentiate, accepted a call from this church, in union vrith Lebanon, and 
was ordained and installed their pastor, June 28th, 1797. His pastoral 
relation was dissolved in 1831, and he died Oct. 17th, 1834. He was 
succeeded by the Rev. George Marshall, the present pastor, in 1832. It 
is now a sole pastoral charge, and had been so some time before Rlr. 
Woods ceased to be its pastor. Though it has been a mother of churches, 
it still retains its strength and vigor — numbering about 176 members. 
It has enjoyed many seasons of refreshing visitations of the Holy Spirit. 
The first was in 1787, under the ministry of the Rev. John Clark. It 
shared largely in the blessed influence of the widely extended revivals 
of 1803-4, and has had some cheering seasons of divine power and 
grace since that period. It has also, by emigration, made many valu- 
able contributions to western churches. Not only private members, 
but many elders and ministers, born and reared in its bounds, are to be 
found in the wide West. 



THE FIRST GREAT YANKEE EMIGRATION. 355 

NINETEENTH MEETING. 

MOUNT PLEASANT, (30) Tuesday, April 15tli, 1788.— 
Presbytery met, &c. Presbytery was opened by a sermon on 

(30) A few days before this meeting of the Presbytery in Dr. Power's 
church, an event of some notoriety had occurred in the bounds of his 
Sewickly charge. A large number of emigrants from New England 
had come out, the previous fall, and had spent some time in the neigh- 
borhood of what is now West Newton, then called Simeralls' Ferry. Late 
in the fall they launched their boat, which they called the "May-flower," 
and set off for their future home, down the Youghiogheny, and Monon- 
gahela, and the Ohio, and formed their settlement at Marietta. Dr. 
Hidrett, of Marietta, gives the following account of their starting their 
boat from Kobstown, or West Newton : 

" After laying in a stock of provisions, they pushed out merrily into 
the ' Yoh,' as it was familiarly called by all the borderers of that region, 
and floated rapidly along, sometimes grazing on the shallows, and at 
other times grounding on the sand-bars. By dint of rowing and push- 
ing, they made out to get on, especially after falling into the larger cur- 
rent of the Monongahela, and reached Pittsburg on Sunday evening. 
They were now at the junction of those two noble streams, the Alle- 
gheny and the Monongahela, and saw the waters of the charming Ohio, 
the object of all their toils, and were, apparently, at the end of their 
journey. Near the point of land where the Ohio takes its name, they 
landed their uncouth and unwieldy water-craft, making it fast to a stake 
on the bank. It was late in the afternoon — and the men went up into 
the town, to purchase some articles needed to make the families com- 
fortable on their downward voyage. Pittsburg then contained 4 or 500 
inhabitants, several stores ; and a small garrison of troops was kept in 
old Fort Pitt. To our travellers, who had lately seen nothing but trees 
and rocks, with here and there a solitary hut, it seemed to be quite a 
large town. The houses were chiefly built of logs ; but, now and then, 
one had assumed the appearance of neatness and comfort." 

Such was the beginning of that new emigration which filled the great 
territory with a civilized population, that has converted the wilderness 
into a garden, and made the valleys to bloom as a rose. Some of these 
emigrants had tarried behind, and lodged with Mr. Power's people 
through the winter, and were just gone when this Presbytery met at 
Mount Pleasant. One tradition is, that another emigrating party, ar- 
riving to join their friends at Simerall's Ferry, did not get on " in time 
for the boat," and remained, along with some who had been left of the 



356 MR. Hamilton's case — now disposed of, 

Philippians ii. 12, by Mr. Brice. Messrs. Brice and Huglies 
— sermons — sustained. 

The Commissioners appeared from Unity congregation, and 
report that they have discharged the greater part of what was 
due from them to Mr. Power, and that they will use their 
utmost endeavors to have the whole discharged as soon as pos- 
sible. The Presbytery do therefore agree to appoint them 
supplies. " The Presbytery having received," &c., (see For- 
mula for the Government of the Church, Chapter 14, Section 
8,) Messrs. John Brice and James Hughes were licensed lo 
preach the gospel. Messrs. Patterson and M'Gready — lec- 
tures — sustained. 

Mr. Hamilton having made application for advice respect- 
ing a difference subsisting between him and George Glenn, 
the Presbytery appoint the representatives of Donegal c/)n- 
gregation to endeavor to settle said difference, which, if they 
cannot effect, the Presbytery order the parties to appear be- 
fore Mr. Power's session, at such time as it may be convenient 
for .said session to attend upon them. 

John Coleman (31) having left his wife in Ireland, and mar- 

firsfc party, to take care of their beasts through the winter, and take the 
land route in the spring. These New England folks introduced the 
new tunes — especially the fugueing music, as it was called, among our 
Scotch-Irish people — that winter. Two or three of them were good 
singing-masters : one of them, M'Knight, went up, in his vocation, as 
far as Dunlap's Creek. The good old "twelve times of David," as they 
were considered by some, were all that were known previously. The 
introduction of these tunes, in some of the churches, raised quite a 
breeze. In one instance, when the Clerk opened, with full blast, on 
one of them, some one of the old people struck iu upon one of their old 
favorites, and made such sad confusion, that Col. Cooke, who was pre- 
sent, rose, and seconding the remarks of his distressed pastor^ gave the 
people a severe rebuke and sharp lecture, which completely humbled 
and subdued them. 

(31) The case of John Coleman would have occasioned some diflSculty 
had it been brought to an issue. But, as it will appear in the sequel, 
it was deferred until one of their members, Mr. Power, along with the 
session of Salem, should take further testimony, and report. This is 



JOHN Coleman's case. 357 

ried another in this country, his former wife being yet alive, 
makes application to this Presbytery to be restored to church 
privileges ; alleging that, by the laws of God and man, he was 
free from her, as by her conduct, in his absence, she had 
violated her marriage covenant in a very essential part, of 
which he had sufficient information before his second mar- 
riage — which he proposes to support by evidence. (Three 
witnesses — Alexander Hunter, Barbara Hunter and Robert 
Reyburn — were brought forward, and, on oath, deposed 
many things very unfavorable to the character of the first 
wife ; and as Mr. Coleman proposed to adduce other witnesses, 
Mr. Power was appointed, together with the session of Salem, 
to take their evidence, and report the same at the next meeting 
of Presbytery, in the fall.) 

The Presbytery, according to the order of our last August 
meeting, proceeded to consider the affair of Mr. Hall and the 
session of Mount Pleasant; and after fully hearing both par- 
ties, do judge that, though Mr. Hall was disappointed in his 
expectations, and might thereby be a sufferer, yet we do not 
think that Mr. Power was to blame, nor that Mr. Hall had 
any just reasons for using some expressions reflecting on Mr. 
Power's character ; and we further judge, that, before he be 
restored to distinguishing privileges, he acknowledge his rash- 
ness in using such expressions, and that he be admonished by 

the last we hear of it. Yet the man, by his witnesses, before Presby- 
tery, had made out a strong case of conjugal infidelity, before he mar- 
ried his second wife. It appears that, three years before, (1785,) the 
Synod of New York and Philadelphia were much divided, in their sen- 
timents, on this subject. The following question had been referred to 
them, by the Donegal Presbytery, for their decision, viz. : 

" Whether, on full proof of adultery by one party, the Presbytery has 
a right to declare the marriage so void, as that the innocent party may 
marry again, without being liable to church censure ? And after some 
time spent in debating the case, it was moved and agreed that each 
member should speak to the question, in the order of the roll. After 
which the vote was taken, and the question carried in the affirmative, 
by a small majority." (Printed Records, pp. 509-10.) 



358 JOHN barret's affair. 

the Moderator. To this judgment Mr. Hall submitted, and 
was admonished accordingly. 

The Presbytery finding that there are no good grounds to 
expect that the affair between Mr. Clark and the Lebanon 
congregation will be comfortably settled, do therefore judge 
that the pastoral relation between him and that congregation 
ought to be dissolved, and is hereby dissolved; and enjoin 
them to produce a settlement with Mr, Clark, at our next 
meeting ; and Mr. Clark is hereby appointed to preach in 
that congregation on a week-day, and Mr. Shields to read 
this minute. 

Ordered, that those who have not produced settlements 
bring them in at our next meeting. 

A reference being brought from Lebanon congregation, re- 
specting a certain John Barret, the consideration whereof was 
deferred till this meeting ; but he not attending, the Presby- 
tery further defer it until our next meeting, and cite him to 
attend. 

A popular sermon, 1 John v. 4, assigned to Mr. Patterson ; 
on Romans v. 20, to Mr. M'Gready — by our next meeting. 
Adjourned to meet at Chartiers, second Tuesday of August. 
Concluded with prayer. 

TWENTIETH MEETING. 

CHARTIERS, Tuesday, August 12th, 1788.— Presbytery 
met according to adjournment, &c. The Presbytery opened 
with a sermon from I. John v. 4, by Mr. Patterson ; Mr. 
M'Gready, also, a sermon on Romans v. 20 — both of which 
sustained. 

Mr. Power informs Presbytery that the affair between 
William Hamilton and John Glen is settled. Mr. Clark ful- 
filled his appointment at Lebanon — no settlement yet obtained. 
" The Presbytery having received," &c., Messrs. Joseph Pat- 
terson and James M'Gready,(32) &c., (see Formula for the 
Government of the Church, Chapter 14, Section 8,) they were 



VIEWS OF OUR FATHERS ON BAPTISM. 359 

licensed to preach the gospel. Application being made to 
this Presbytery for their judgment in the following case, viz., 
" Whether ministers ought, in the administration of baptism, 
to require of parents to promise to perform certain duties, or 
only to recommend the performance of them ?" The Presby- 
tery are unanimously of opinion, that it is the duty of minis- 
ters not only to recommend, but to require of parents a solemn 
promise that they will, through grace, conscientiously per- 
form certain duties which are usually mentioned on such occa- 
sions. (83) Adjourned to meet at Rehoboth, third Tuesday 
of October. Concluded with prayer. 

(32) Biographical Sketch of James M'Gready. — The 
name of M'Gready is connected with revivals. He was blest 
in being instrumental of a revival of religion, in his early 

(33) This unanimous expression of the views of the Presbytery shows 
how much they dissented from the more lax views and practice too pre- 
valent in some parts of our church, at the present day. The New School 
brethren often, now-a-days, assert that the old fathers of our "Western 
church leaned, in their sympathies, to the New-side party of a still 
earlier period ; and that as they (the New School) claim to be the de- 
scendants of the New-side party of former times, they have a stronger 
claim of kindred to the founders of the Western church than we have. 
The claim is absurd. Our fathers possessed some of the best qualities 
of both the old parties — the revival spirit of the New-side, and the strict 
rules of discipline of the Old-side. How little like the sentiments or 
language of the above minute is the following, from the Records of the 
New-side Synod of New York ! 

" Previously to the administration of baptism, the minister shall in- 
quire into the parents' knowledge of the great and fundamental doc- 
trines of the gospel, and the regularity of their life ; and being satis- 
fied, so as to admit them., shall, in public, point out the special duties 
of the parents, and particularly that they teach their children the doc- 
trines and precepts of Christianity contained in the Scriptures of the 
Old and New Testament, and comprised in the Westminster Confession 
of Faith and Catechisms, which, therefore, they shall recommend unto 
ihem." (See Records, p. 266.) 

Our fathers were conscientiously careful in binding solemn vows upon 
parents, when they applied the seal of the covenant to their children. 



360 A BIOGKAPEICAL SKETCH OF 

ministry, in North Carolina, the salutary effects of which are 
felt to this day in churches, in different States, enjoying the 
labors of faithful men who then came into the visible church 
of Christ, on a profession of faith. Subsequently he was 
honored of God to be the first agent that moved successfully 
in breaking up the deep sleep that weighed down the Chris- 
tian public ; and was personally active in the commencement 
of that revival which began, in 1800, in Kentucky, and soon 
was felt in Tennessee, Ohio and Western Pennsylvania — in 
1802, on to 1804, and was enjoyed in parts of North Carolina, 
South Carolina and Virginia. The fruits of this revival re- 
main to this day, and will be felt, in their remote conse- 
quences, forever, in these United States, and wherever else 
the gospel has been preached, by those who may be considered 
the fruits, more or less direct, of this great display of the 
divine Spirit upon the hearts of men. 

Who was M'Gready ? His parents were of the Scotch- 
Irish race; but whether they emigrated from Ireland, or were 
born in Pennsylvania, is not now knovm. When he was quite 
young, they removed to Carolina, and settled in Guilford 
County. Here James passed part of his boyhood, and part 
of his youth, in such labor as persons of no very extensive 
property were, in those years, accustomed to in Carolina. 

The sedateness of the youth, and his punctuality in reli- 
gious duties, united to a desire for religious improvement, so 
pleased an uncle of his, who was on a visit to his father's, 
that he conceived the idea of having James educated for the 
ministry, and prevailed on his parents to consent to his taking 
their son with him to Pennsylvania, to secure an education in 
preparation for his preaching the gospel. His uncle believed 
him to be religious ; he thought so himself. In speaking of 
these, his early days and impressions, Mr. M'Gready used to 
say that he never omitted prayer from the time he was seven 
years old; and having been preserved from outbreaking sins, 
from profane swearing, from intoxication, and from Sabbath- 
breaking and other excesses, he had begun to think that he 



THE REV. JAMES M'GREADT. 861 

was sanctified from his birth. He was placed with Dr. M'Mil- 
lan, and obtained employment for a season as an assistant on 
the farm — a temporai-y arrangement, no doubt, until he could 
regularly begin his studies. He was seized with a dangerous 
illness — the small-pox — and lay some time so low that little 
hope was entertained of his life. But at length he slowly 
recovered. How far his self-righteous Pharisaism was shaken 
by this affliction, is not known. On the first Sabbath that 
he was able to attend public worship, he was present, some- 
where in the Mingo Creek Settlement, where Dr, M'Millan 
had appointed an administration of the Lord's Supper on that 
day. The Rev. Joseph Smith, of Buffalo, assisted. Mr. 
Smith's sermon was made instrumental in the conversion of 
James M'Grready. He ever afterwards spoke of him as his 
spiritual father. This statement, which we have from a living 
witness, and which seems to have been unknown to Drs. 
Foote and Davidson, is confirmed by an interesting fact re- 
lated on the testimony of Mr. George Anderson, of St. Clairs- 
ville, by Dr. Elliott, in his Sketch of the late Dr. John An- 
derson, of Upper BuiFalo, appended to his "Life of Ma- 
curdy :" — 

" He, (Dr. A.,) was first awakened to a serious concern 
about his eternal interests under the preaching of the Rev. 
James M'Gready, who himself had been converted^ through 
the instrumentality of the Rev. Joseph Smith, pastor of the 
church of Upper Bufialo. These facts, taken in connexion 
with Dr. Anderson's settlement in that church, are sufficiently 
curious, as illustrating the providence of God in the whole 
matter. Mr. M'Gready is sent from Carolina to be taught 
the way of salvation by Mr. Smith. He is then sent back 
to Carolina to be the instrument of Dr. Anderson's conver- 
sion; and then Dr. Anderson is sent to Western Pennsyl- 
Tania to be the pastor of the flock which Mr. Smith had 
gathered at Upper Bufi"alo. Truly God moves in a myste- 
rious way." 

Mr. Smith, in the course of that fall (1785), opened a 



362 A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF 

school to prepare young men for the gospel ministry ; and 
Mr. M'Gready immediately repaired to that school, and after 
pursuing his studies there for some time, returned to a simi- 
lar school that was then begun under the care of Dr. M'Mil- 
lan. Here he hastened through his literary and theological 
studies, and was licensed by the Presbytery of Redstone, as 
we have seen above, August 13th, 1788. Numerous " sup- 
plies " were assigned to him till the fall meeting of Presby- 
tery. At that meeting, October 22d, as will be seen, he 
obtained leave to travel to Carolina during the ensuing winter. 
Mr. M'Millan was appointed to furnish him with suitable cre- 
dentials. More than two years afterwards, the Presbytery, 
at their sessions held at Dunlap's Creek, April 20th, 1791, 
record the following minute : " Mr. James M'Gready, being 
detained by sickness in the bounds of the Orange Presbytery, 
applied, by letter, for a dismission to that Presbytery. The 
Presbytery ordered the clerk to send him a dismission and a 
letter of advice on the occasion." He was about 30 years 
of age when licensed. On his way back to Carolina, he 
passed through the places in Virginia which had been visited 
by the revival that spread so far and wide under the minis- 
trations of J. B. Smith and William Graham, in 1788 and 
1789. He made some stay in Prince Edward, at Hampden, 
Sydney College, then under the care of Dr. Smith, that 
eminently successful minister of Christ. With his heart 
warmed by what he heard and saw, he reached Guilford, pre- 
pared to bear a testimony to men in favor of divine truth in 
its spiritual application. Religion was at this time at a low 
ebb in most of the Carolina churches. Spiritual apathy and 
formality had crept over the majority of professors. Many 
practices and customs, at variance with a healthful state of 
religion, were countenanced. Among other things of a very 
objectionable nature, which had become prevalent, was the 
habit of distributing spirituous liquors at funerals. Provi- 
sions of some kind were set out. To preserve the appearance 
of religion, some one — an officer of the church, if present — 



THE REV. JAMES M'GREADY. 363 

was called upon to open the scene of eating and drinking by 
asking a blessing on the refreshments prepared. Mr. M'Gready 
attended such a funeral soon after his return to Guilford, and 
was called upon to ask a blessing. " No," he replied, " I will 
not be guilty of insulting God by asking a blessing upon what 
I know to be wrong !" The startling eifect of this remark 
may be imagined. The attention of the neighborhood was 
turned to him. He commenced preaching along Haw River, 
and in various other places in Guilford. His first sermons 
were directed against the formality and deadness of church 
members. Under his searching addresses, they felt themselves 
unworthy to be acknowledged as members of Christ's visible 
kingdom, and abhorred themselves in dust and ashes. He ex- 
celled in public prayer. Often the congregation was in tears 
under the influence of his devotions. In his delivery he was 
solemn, and sometimes very animated from the commence- 
ment. Wherever he preached the excitement was great. An 
extensive revival of religion prevailed through Orange, and 
some of the adjoining counties, mainly the result of the divine 
blessing on the labors of M'Gready. 

In 1796, he removed to Kentuck}'- and settled in Logan 
County. He had three congregations — Muddy, Eed, and 
Gasper Rivers. In the two latter, began that mighty revival 
which spi'ead so far and wide through all the West in 
1800, 1801, 1802, 1803, and 1804. Mr. M'Gready was one 
of the sons of Thunder, both in manner and matter ; and 
an uncompromising reprover of sin in every shape. It was 
not long till the effect of his impassioned preaching was visi- 
ble. During the summer of 1797 and '98, there was conside- 
rable solicitude evinced in the above-named congregations. 
But it soon subsided. The summer of 1799 witnessed a 
renewal of the excitement, which grew and deepened until it 
reached its height, in 1800 and 1801. In the words of 
M'Gready, " it exceeded every thing his eyes had ever beheld 
on earth, and to which all that had preceded it was but an 
introduction — as a few drops before a mighty rain." We can- 



364 HUGH sterling's appeal. 

not here attempt the narrative. Suffice it to say, that this 
distinguished servant of God, with some occasional irregulari- 
ties, which he lived to correct, pursued his bright and useful 
career for many years ; and was instrumental, directly or 
indirectly, in the conversion of many souls, most of whom 
are now rejoicing before the throne. Towards the close of 
his career he removed to the town of Henderson, on the Ohio 
River, where he spent the remainder of his days, and died in 
1817. 

The above sketch we have collected from various sources — 
principally from Dr. Foote's " Sketches of North Carolina," 
and Dr. Davidson's " History of the Presbyterian Church in 
Kentucky;" works which we cannot too warmly recommend 
to the reader as replete with interest upon this and many 
other subjects. If Mr. Smith, of Buffalo, and Dr. M'Millan 
and the Old Presbytery of Redstone, had done nothing more 
than train such a man as M'Gready, they had not lived in 
vain. 

TWENTY-FIRST MEETING. 

REHOBOTH, Tuesday, October 21st, 1788.— Presbytery 
met, according to adjournment. TJbi, post preces, sederunt, 
the Rev. Messrs., &c. The Presbytery was opened with a 
sermon from Jer. x. 25, by Mr. Dunlap. Ordered, that 
the act of Synod respecting the settlement of litigious suits 
in the congregations under their care be published and recom- 
mended, both by the ministers of Presbytery, and the proba- 
tioners under their care. 

Messrs. Finley, Power, and Dunlap, were appointed a com- 
mittee to examine and appoint such ministers and candidates 
as may come into our bounds. 

An appeal from the judgment of the session of Bethel 
congregation was brought in by Hugh Sterling and read; 
together with all the papers relative thereto. The Presbytery 
having maturely considered the matter, and also having 
enquired of the moderator of the session, and of Mr. Clark, 



APPOINTMENT OF A FAST DAY. 365 

who was present at the time, respecting the manner in which 
Mr. Tidball submitted to the judgment of the session ; and 
found that both agreed that Mr. Tidball declared that he did 
not remember his denying his promise to, give the order ; but 
if he did, it must have been in a passion, and without due 
consideration, and was a deviation from the truth in words, 
though not in design ; and that the submission was not there- 
fore absolute but conditional. The Presbytery maturely 
deliberating on the whole, do unanimoilsly conclude that the 
sessions are defective in their minutes, and ought to have 
been more cautious in their judgment respecting Mr. Tidball. 
In other respects, we see no reason to alter their judgment 
with regard to Hugh Sterling. The Presbytery order that 
Mr. Clark read this judgment, together with the judgment of 
sessions in the congregation of Bethel. 

Mr. Dunlap having applied for a dismission from the con- 
gregation of Dunlap's creek, the Presbytery order that the 
congregation be notified thereof, and attend at our next 
Spring's meeting, to show reasons, if any they have, why Mr. 
Dunlap's request should not be granted. 

The Presbytery, taking into their serious consideration 
the declension of vital religion among us, the spreading of 
error, the threatening aspect of Divine Providence, in respect 
to the seasons, and the great danger we are in of provoking 
God to withdraw the gracious influences of his spirit, do 
therefore think it their incumbent duty to appoint a day of 
fasting and prayer, to be observed in their respective congre- 
gations, and vacancies under their care, to implore a plentiful 
outpouring of Divine influences upon the churches in general, 
and upon this infant church in this land, in particular ; and 
at the same time, to acknowledge with gratitude, the many 
mercies, both special and common, conferred upon us, and 
deprecate the judgments which now threaten us. The Pres- 
bytery do therefore appoint the third Thursday of November 
next to be observed for the above purposes. 

Mr. M'Gready having obtained leave to travel to Carolina 



366 A BIOGRAPHrCAL SKETCH OF 

during the ensuing winter, Mr. M'Millan is appointed to fur- 
nish him with suitable credentials. Adjourned to meet at 
Chartiers, on the third Wednesday of January next. Con- 
cluded with prayer. 

TWENTY-SECOND MEETING. 

CHARTIERS, Wednesday, January 21st, 1789. Pres- 
bytery met, &c. The Presbytery was opened with a sermon 
from Acts xvi., 31, by Mr. Dod. 

Mr. John M'Pherrin, (34) having, at our last meeting, 
offered himself to be taken on trials, in order to his being 
licensed to preach the gospel, the Presbytery conversed with 
him upon his experimental acquaintance with religion, and 
proposed to him several cases of conscience, and having 
obtained satisfaction on these points, agreed to take him on 
trials, and appointed him an Exegesis. — "Nuni Christus, qua 
mediator, adorandus sit ?" by our next meeting, and which, 
being now read, was sustained. 

Mr. Samuel Porter, (35) having offered himself to be taken 
on trials, in order to his being licensed to preach the gospel — 
the Presbytery, having received sufficient testimonials of his 
good moral conduct, and of his being a regular member of 
the church, proceeded to converse with him upon his experi- 
mental acquaintance with religion, and proposed to him several 
cases of conscience ; and having obtained satisfaction on these 
points, agreed to take him on trials. 

Messrs. M'Pherrin and Porter examined on Latin and 
Greek languages and logic — and at some length on Divinity 
— all sustained. 

Mr. Pherrin — a homily on Matthew v. 8, — and Presbyterial 
exercises on Romans iii. 25 — by next meeting. 

Mr. Porter — an Exegesis — "An lapsus Adami omnibus ejus 
posteris naturali generatione ab eo oriundis, imputatur?" by 
next meeting. Adjourned to meet at Pigeon creek, on the 
third Tuesday of April next. Concluded with prayer. 



THE REV. JOHN M'PHBRRIN. 367 

(34) Biographical Sketch of Rev. John M'Pherrin. 
— " The Rev. John M'Pherrin was born in York, now Adams 
County, November 15th, 1757. His father was a ruling 
elder in the church of Lower Marsh Creek, under the pastoral 
care of the Rev. John M'Knight, D. D. He learned the 
languages preparatory to his going to college, under the Rev. 
Robert Smith, J). D., of Piquea, and was graduated, May 
7th, 1788, at Dickinson College, Carlisle, during the presi- 
dency of the Rev. Dr. Nesbit. His theological studies were 
prosecuted under the direction of the Rev. John Clark, 
pastor of Bethel, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. He was 
licensed to preach the gospel, August 20th, 1789, by the 
Presbytery of Redstone, and ordained and installed by the 
same Presbytery, pastor of the united congregations of 
Salem and Unity, in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, on 
the 22d of September, 1791. Dr. M'Millan presided at the 
ordination, and Mr. James Finley gave the charge. In these 
united congregations he labored with great success for a num- 
ber of years. But on the 25th of June, 1800, he resigned 
the charge at Unity — and on the 20th of April, 1803, that 
of Salem ; and having accepted a call from the united con- 
gregations of Concord and Muddy Creek, within the bounds 
of the Erie Presbytery, he was dismissed to that Presbytery, 
October 16th, 1804, and received by it, April 9th, 1805. 
About the same time, he removed his family to Butler County, 
in which his congregations were situated. A few years after- 
wards. Concord and Harmony appear as his charge on the 
Records of the Presbytery ; and still la^er, Butler and Con- 
cord. He is said to have been the founder of the church in 
the town of Butler, and was its pastor for ten or twelve 
years. When the Presbytery of Allegheny was erected in 
the fall of 1820, he was included within its limits, as 
one of its original members. He acted as Moderator of 
the Synod of Virginia, in 1799, and of the Synod of Pitts- 
burg in 1805. He died, February 10th, 1822, in the sixty- 
fifth year of his age. He was a thorough Latin and Greek 



368 A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF 

scholar, and for a number of years after he was settled 
in the ministry, taught a class of young men, most of 
whom became ministers of the gospel. He also possessed a 
knowledge of the Hebrew language, which was a rare acquire- 
ment, in this region of country, at that time. His character 
is said to be well expressed in the following sentiment, 
inscribed on his tombstone : ' He was an able, faithful, and 
devoted minister of Jesus Christ.' The writer of his obituary 
in the Pittsburg Recorder, says, ' He was a warm, zealous, 
and evangelical preacher. For some years before his death, 
he appeared to be remarkably weaned from the world ; he, 
indeed, lived above the world. His whole heart and soul 
were absorbed in the love of God ; and his whole aim was to 
promote the interests of the Redeemer's kingdom." He was 
father-in-law to Walter Lowrie, Esq., Corresponding Secretary 
of the Board of Foreign Missions of the Presbyterian church, 
and grandfather to his sons, the Rev. John C. Lowrie, Assist- 
ant Secretary to the same board, and formerly a missionary to 
Northern India ; — and the Rev. Walter M. Lowrie, deceased, 
a missionary in China." — Appendix to Life of Macurdy, 

(35) Biographical Sketch op the Rev. Samuel Por- 
ter. — " The Rev. Samuel Porter was born in Ireland, on the 
11th of June, 1760, of pious parents, belonging to the Re- 
formed Presbyterian church, commonly called Covenanters, 
and was strictly educated in their peculiar tenets. His 
mother devoted him to the Lord, for the work of the ministry, 
from his birth ; in reference to which, she called him Samuel 
Having no means of acquiring an education, however, he 
learned the business of a weaver, and was married some time 
before he left Ireland. He emigrated to this country in 1783, 
about the close of the Revolutionary war. The first winter 
after his arrival in the United States, he spent in the vicinity 
of Mercersburg, Franklin County, Pennsylvania, where a 
near relative ofi his then resided. He was extremely poor, 
having only eighteen pence left, after paying the expenses of 



THE REV. SAMUEL PORTER. 369 

his journey. But lie met with kind friends who aided him in 
sustaining his family. While in the neighhorhood, he was 
induced to go and hear the Rev. Dr. John King, who was 
pastor of the church of Upper West Conococheague, although 
he had been admonished by his friend of the danger of his 
being corrupted by his unsound doctrine. Indeed, he himself 
expected to hear something very erroneous, and rather desired 
that it should be so, that he might have cause of reproach 
against the Presbyterian Church. 

" The first time he heard Dr. King, he returned home disap- 
pointed, having heard nothing to which he could object. It 
was so on a second and a third visit to his church. He still 
discovered nothing to condemn, and was surprised to find him 
so evangelical and sound in his views. Having heard him 
frequently during the winter, his objections against the Pres- 
byterian church began to give way ; and he came to the con- 
clusion that his past opposition to that church was the result 
of blind prejudice, rather than enlightened conviction. The 
next year he removed to western Pennsylvania, and settled 
in Washington County, where he had frequent opportunities 
of hearing Mr. Smith and Dr. M'Millan ; and the result was 
that he united with the Presbyterian Church, having satisfied 
himself fully that her ministers preached the pure gospel, and 
that his usefulness and comfort would be increased by entering 
her communion. 

" Having become acquainted with Dr. M'Millan, and other 
ministers of the West, he was induced, by their advice, to 
enter on a course of preparation for the ministry. His 
studies were prosecuted partly under the Rev. Joseph Smith, 
in company with James Hughes, John Brice, and Joseph Pat- 
terson; and partly with Dr. M'Millan, with whom he studied 
theology. As he was without the means of support, Dr. 
M'Millan kindly gave him his board and instruction, free of 
expense ; and Alexander Wright, Esq., a benevolent Irishman, 
generously furnished a house and provision for his family, 
while he was pursuing his studies. Thus did God, in a re- 
24 



o70 A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF 

markable manner, meet the wishes and answer the prayers 
of his pious mother, by providing ways and means to facili- 
tate his admission to the ministry, to which she had conse- 
crated him. 

"Up to the time of his prosecuting his studies at Dr. 
M'Millan's, he was strenuously opposed to the use of a New 
Testament Psalmody in the worship of God. While there, 
he determined to write out and publish a thoroughly prepared 
exposition of his reasons against its use. In the progress of 
his investigations, which were accompanied at every step with 
prayer to God for direction, his mind underwent an entire 
change on the subject ; and he found that the proof was 
against his views, and in favor of that he was laboring to 
subvert. The result was that he abandoned his opposition, 
and he became the friend and advocate of a New Testament 
Psalmody. His son, John Porter, of Rural Valley, from 
whom this information has been derived, has a distinct recol- 
lection of the time when his father first sang one of Watts' 
Psalms in family worship. 

" Mr. Porter having made theology his study from early life, 
and having had a considerable stock of knowledge on various 
subjects before he commenced a formal course of preparation 
for the ministry, the Presbytery permitted him to preach as a 
probationer, after a shorter course of study than usual. He 
was licensed by the Presbytery of Redstone, Nov. 12th, 1789. 
At a meeting of the Presbytery, April 20, 1790, he had a call 
put into his hands from the united congregations of Poke Run 
and Congruity, one from the congregations of Dunlap's Creek 
and George's Creek, and one from Long Run and Sewickly. 
The first of these calls he accepted, and was ordained, in 
company with the Rev. J. M'Pherrin, Sept. 22d, 1790, and 
installed pastor of the congregations of Poke Run and Con- 
gruity. In these congregations he labored till April 11th, 
1798, when, on account of ill health, he was released from 
Poke Run, though much against the wishes of the people, who 
remonstrated against the dissolution of the pastoral relation. 



THE REY. SAMUEL PORTER. 371 

Congruitj agreed to take the whole of his time, promising 
.£120 per annum, one-half in merchantable wheat at 6s per 
bushel, and the remainder in cash. He continued the pastor 
of this congregation until the time of his death, which occurred 
on the 23d of September, 1825. Mr. Porter was held in 
high esteem by his brethren of the ministry, as a man of un- 
doubted piety and vigorous talents. He was a bold, original, 
and independent thinker, distinguished for his controversial 
talent and ready wit. He appeared to particular advantage 
in the judicatories of the church, in which he exerted a com- 
manding influence. He was a very acceptable speaker, had 
a clear, musical voice, and had great power over an audience : 
sometimes exciting in them the most pleasurable emotions — 
at others, melting them to tears." — Appendix to Life of Ma- 
curdy. See also "Porter's Sermons and Dialogues," recently 
published by Dr. Elliott. Either of the sermons is worth the 
price asked for the whole book. 

We cannot withhold a passage from one of them, which 
will show how this polemical giant would have stood, had he 
lived to mingle in the scenes of 1835, '36, and '37. It is 
taken from his discourse on the Atonement of Christ, deli- 
, vered at the opening of the Synod of Pittsburg, October 1st, 
1811 :— 

" Rev. Fathers and Brethren : — "We have been called, in 
the Providence of God, to the awfully responsible office of the 
gospel ministry, in a perilous time. A spirit of innovation, 
hostile to .all existing systems, has gone forth into the world, 
and is to be found in operation within the precincts of the 
Christian church. For the purpose of uniting in communion 
professing Christians of every species and description, and 
thereby to render the church perfectly analogous to the an- 
cient Babel, those religious systems in which the church of 
Christ has expressed the sense in which she understood the 
Scriptures, and which men of superior learning and piety 
have long considered as necessary barriers between truth and 
error, are attacked, in toto, by men in our vicinity and else- 



372 CALLS FOR MESSRS. PATTERSON AND BRICE. 

where, who have sagacity enough to perceive that they stand 
in the way of the execution of their schemes ; whilst others 
are engaged in brandishing their javelins at doctrines con- 
tained in those confessions of faith to which they profess 
adherence, as systems founded on the Word of God. Human 
nature, in avoiding one extreme, tends to the other ; and the 
candid and well-informed will grant, that if a bigoted attach- 
ment to human systems prevailed in some of the periods that 
have passed, the present tendency is to a lawless Catholicism, 
which would fill the church and people heaven with men of 
the most heterogeneous and hostile principles and dispositions. 
The prevailing taste is so much in favor of a liberality in sen- 
timent, which afifects to look down on systems and confessions 
of faith as old-fashioned, musty, useless lumber, not calculated 
for this enlightened, refined, philosophic age, that the man 
who aspires to celebrity and fame must endeavor to gratify 
that taste. Therefore, clergymen of science, talents, and 
ambition, are under a strong temptation to sail with wind 
and tide, and acquire the character of men of enlarged, culti- 
vated, generous minds, superior to narrow systems and vulgar 
faith." 

" There are clerical boys, of no gigantic talents, who have 
scarcely passed the threshold of Christian science, or read 
the title-page of one-half the accessible books on divinity, 
until they are disposed to enlighten the world, and bless the 
church, by the introduction of new theological doctrines, 
which they have discovered in those regions of illumination 
and refinement which lie far beyond the hazy atmosphere of 
Scripture and common sense." 

The Synod of Pittsburg embraced, at that time, the region 
afterwards occupied by the Synod of the "Western Reserve, 
one of the exscinded Synods ; and in this region, thus early, 
it was understood, prevailed some of those notions which Mr. 
Porter here so sarcastically bandies. Let the reader buy the 
book, if he wants a real treat. 



CALLS FOR MESSRS. PATTERSON AND BRICE. 373 

TWENTY-THIRD MEETING. 

PIGEON CREEK, Tuesday, April 21st, 1789.— Presby- 
tery met, &c. The Presbytery was opened with a sermon 
from Jonah i, 6. by Mr. Patterson. 

Two calls for Mr. Patterson — from the united congrega- 
tions of Upper Raccoon and Montour's Run, and from Unity 
and Salem — were brought in and read, and put into his hands 
for consideration. Two calls for Mr. Brice — from united con- 
gregations of Three Ridges and Forks of Wheeling, and from 
the united congregations of Mill Creek and King's Creek — 
were brought in and read — put into his hands for considera- 
tion. Ordered to read the minutes of last fall's meeting. Mr. 
Clark reported that though Mr. Finley attended at Lebanon, 
according to appointment, no settlement was yet made with 
the congregation. Messrs. Brice, and Hughes, and Patter- 
son, have fulfilled their appointments. The members present 
have fulfilled their appointments, except Mr. Dunlap, whose 
reasons were sustained. 

The congregation of Dunlap's Creek appeared by their 
commissioners,, and signified that they had no reasons to ofi"er 
why Mr. Dunlap should not be dismissed ; especially since he 
manifested an unwillingness to remain with them any longer ; 
and although the Presbytery cannot justify his conduct in for- 
saking that congregation without a regular dismission, yet, as 
we do not think his continuance there would be for edification, 
we do therefore judge that the pastoral relation between him 
and that congregation ought to be, and it hereby is, dis- 
solved. 

Mr. Patterson gave up the call from Unity and Salem con- 
gregations, and declares his acceptance of the call from the 
united congregations of Upper Raccoon and Monteur's, pro- 
vided that some of the difficulties now subsisting be removed 
before our next meeting. Messrs. Brice, Hughes, and Pat- 
terson appointed to supply, as much as they can conveniently, 
in those congregations from whom they have received calls, 



374 MR. barr's application. 

until our next meeting. The Presbytery find that the con- 
gregations are satisfied with the diligence and care of their 
respective pastors. Mr.. Finley and Mr. Power, together 
with Mr. Cook and Mr. Baird, elders, are appointed to repre- 
sent this Presbytery in the General Assembly. (36) 

The Presbytery, having had frequent applications made to 
them respecting the settlement of places of worship ; in order 
to prevent waste of time about this matter in future, the Pres- 
bytery now give it as their opinion in general, where congre- 
gations are in union with each other, their houses of worship 
ought not to be less than eight miles apart ; and where the 
congregations are not in union, nor expect to be, that their 
jjlaces of worship ought not to be less than nine miles apart. 

Application having been made by Mr. Barr for a dismis- 
sion from the united congregations of Pittsburg and Pitts- 
township, the Presbytery order that the congregations be 
notified hereof, and to attend at our next meeting, to show 
reason, if any they have, why Mr. Barr's request should not 
be granted. Mr. M'Pherrin brought in and read his Homily 
and Presbyterial Exercise — sustained. 

Mr. Porter — his Exegesis — sustained. Mr. Pt. Marshall, 
having ofi"ered himself, &c. (see foregoing form), was taken 
on trial, examined on Latin and Greek Languages, and Messrs. 
M'Pherrin and Porter along with him, on moral philosophy — 
all sustained. Mr. M'Pherrin to prepare a lecture on James ii. 
24-26, and a popular -sermon on I. John iv. 18, by next meet- 
ing. Mr. Porter to prepare a homily on I. Cor. ii. 14., and 
a Presbyterial Exercise on Heb. ii. 14, by next meeting. Mr. 
Marshall, an Exegesis, on this theme : " An constat essentia 
fidei, in persuasione, quod remissa nobis peccata, et nostrum 
Christus sit?" and a homily on Rom. iii., 20, by our next 

(3G) This appointment of commissioners to General Assembly, which 
was to meet the 3d Thursday of May, 1789 (the first General Assembly), 
is a new event in the history of the Redstone Presbytery. As the 
Presbytery consists of more than six members, they were entitled to 
two ministers and two elders. — See printed Rec, p. 524. 



HISTORY OF PITTSBURa CONGREGATION. 375 

meeting. Adjourned to meet at Chartiers the 4tli Monday 
of May next. Concluded with prayer. 

TWENTY-FOURTH MEETING. 

CHARTIERS, Monday, 25tli May, 1789. — The Presby- 
tery met, &c. The Presbytery was opened with a sermon 
from Matt. xxvi. 41, by Mr. Patterson. Mr. Patterson re- 
ported that those difficulties -which subsisted between the con- 
gregations of Upper Raccoon and Monteur's are now re- 
moved ; and he, having accepted their call, is now appointed 
to prepare a discourse on James iii. 6, at our next meeting, 
as a part of trial, in order to ordination. Mr. Hughes de- 
clares his acceptance of the call from the Ridges and the 
Forks of Wheeling: appointed to prepare a discourse on 
John XV. 4, to be delivered at our next fall's meeting, as parts 
of trials, in order to his ordination. 

A number of commissioners appeared from Pittsburg, in 
consequence of Mr. Barr's application for a dismission ; and, 
it appearing evident to the Presbytery that there were some 
difficulties which could not be settled without a meeting on 
the spot, the Presbytery therefore agreed to defer all further 
proceedings in that affair for the present, to meet at Pittsburg 
on the 2d Tuesday of June, and to send notice to absent 
members. Adjourned, to meet at Pittsburg on the 2d Tues- 
day of June. Concluded with prayer. 

TWENTY-FIFTH MEETING. 

PITTSBURa, (37) June 9th, 1789.— The Presbytery met 
according to adjournment. Ubi post preces sederunt, the 

(37) Pittsburg. — The period when this congregation was organised 
is uncertain. It appears that in 1766, the Rev. Messrs. Beatty and 
Duffield, who were appointed by the Synod of New York and Phi- 
ladelphia to visit the frontier settlements, and also some of the Indian 
tribes, as missionaries, for two months, were in this place, and found 
" some kind of a town." They also found there the Rev. Mr. M'Lagau, 
chaplain to the 42d regiment. Of what denomination he was, it is not 
stated. These brethren preached in the fort and in the village. 



876 HISTORY OF PITTSBUHa CONGREGATION. 

Eev. Messrs. James Finley, John Clark, Joseph Smith, John 
M'Millan, and Samuel Barr. 

The Presbytery was opened with a sermon from Philip, iii. 8, 

There was then no regular congregation, and no house of worship. 
It is probable that some of the other missionaries appointed by the Sj'nod 
visited and preached in the place ; especially Mr. Power and Mr. Fin- 
ley ; both of whom were out pi-eaching to the settlements some time 
before the beginning of the Revolutionary "War ; the latter of whom 
was appointed to labor two months in the West, and it is not likely 
that he failed to visit Pittsburg. Dr. M'Millan, during his first visit to 
the West in 1775, preached here on the 2d Sabbath of September. 
Whether there were any further visits, or labors of Presbyterian minis- 
ters or missionaries, during the next nine years, we cannot learn. Mr. 
Smith was sent to preach here on the 4th Sabbath of August, 1784. In 
the following year, the Rev. Samuel Barr, after laboring some short 
time as a supply, was recognised as the pastor by the Presbytery, with- 
out any regular installation. About this time the church was organ- 
ized, and a small log house was erected for a place of worship. Mr. 
Barr continued the pastor till June 12th, 1789. For a number of years 
afterwards they were occasionally supplied by the Presbytery. In 1791, 
Mr. Mahon, a licentiate of the Carlisle Presbytery, preached to them 
for a short time — perhaps about a year, or even more. In 1793, (Oct.,) 
having applied for ordination, he was not able to give satisfaction to 
the Presbytery on the subject of his experimental acquaintance with 
religion ; and applying immediately for his dismission back to his for- 
mer Presbytery, he was dismissed, and left the. place. After Mr. Mahon 
left, a licentiate, by the name of Semple, who afterwards became a law- 
yer, preached there a short time. In 1795, the Rev. Messrs. Porter and 
D. Smith were sent to supply one Sabbath each. Thence, till June, 
1799, they appear neither to have sought nor obtained supplies from 
the Presbytery. At the last date, the Rev. Robert Steele, who had left 
Ireland precipitately, without having time to get his credentials from 
his Presbytery, but with testimonials from his former congregation, and 
letters from brethren in New York, Philadelphia, and Norfolk, was 
allowed to preach as a supply — till the following meeting of Synod — to 
the people of Pittsburg. Mr. Porter and Mr. Henderson were also sent 
as supplies during that year. During the year 1800, Mr. Steele, though 
not fully received, was allowed to act as a supply. In October, though 
an ordained minister, he was taken on probation, and a text was as- 
signed him for a trial sermon by the next spring meeting. At that 
time (April, 1801), the Presbytery, not being satisfied with his sermon, 
assigned him another text for a sermon by the fall meeting. In the 



HISTOKY OF PITTSBURa CONGREGATION. 377 

by Mr. M'Millan. Mr. Barr produced the following reasons 
why he desired to be dismissed from his pastoral relation to 
Pittsburg and Pittstownship, viz. : — 

mean time, the congregation asked for Mr. Steele as a stated supply 
" until the Presbytery shall finally receive or reject him." In October 
the sermon was not sustained, and they appointed him another, to be 
delivered at the next spring meeting. Then (April, 1802) he was taken 
in and permitted to take his seat with them, rather speciali gratia, as it 
would appear from the minute. In the mean time, he was still acting 
as supply to the congregation of Pittsburg ; and in the following Octo- 
ber, (1802,) a call from this people was put into his hands by the Pres- 
bytery, and accepted by him; and thenceforward, without any further 
action of the Presbytery, he was recognized as the pastor. In this 
relation he continued till his death, which occurred March 22d, 1810. 
The Kev. Mr. Stockton then acted as supply for some time. The Rev. 
Francis Herron, D. D., expressed his intention of accepting a call from 
this church April 3d, 1811, being then a member of the Presbytery of 
Carlisle. From that Presbytery he was dismissed to join the Presby- 
tery of Redstone, and removed to Pittsburg in the ensuing month 
of May. On the 18th of June he was received by the Presbytery 
of Redstone, and accepted the call. He continued the pastor of this 
church till, at his own request, in 1850, he was dismissed; During 
the same year, the Rev. Mr. Paxton, the present pastor, received and 
accepted a call, and is now laboring among them with great and encou- 
raging success. This church, during the earlier period of its history, 
seemed not to be remarkable for exemplary piety. Many of them were a 
gay, fashionable, worldly people, conforming to the customs and man- 
ners of the times. Their financial affairs were also in the greatest em- 
barrassment. In a very short time after Dr. Herron entered upon this 
arduous and trying field of labor, a new era opened upon the church. 
From the utmost temporal and spiritual prostration, it soon rapidly rose 
to a high degree of prosperity in both respects. With the consent of 
the leading men of the congregation. Dr. Herron bought the church and 
lot, when publicly sold by the sheriff to pay the debt of the congrega- 
tion, and soon after he sold part of the lot for a suflicient sum to extri- 
cate the church out of all debt, conveyed the balance of the ground, 
with the house, back to the trustees, and, with their co-operation, and 
that of the citizens, soon provided means for erecting a much better 
house of worship, which was afterwards much enlarged. The congre- 
gation grew rapidly. The Lord poured out his Spirit on this congre- 
gation ; and several times during the long-continued pastoral labors of 
this now ancient servant of God, many were added unto the church. 
It is the mother church of our body in Pittsburg. All the other five 



378 MR. bark's reasons for a dismission. 

1st, Because he supposes lie may preach the gospel else- 
where with more success. 2d, Because he has not been able 
to exercise church discipline ; having too few to support him 
in that branch of his duty. 3d, Because no active measures 
have been taken by the trustees to comply with their agree- 
ment ; but, on the contrary, they have appointed him to col- 
lect his own salary for the last year ; which was as much as 
to say he might hunt after his salary from door to door — it 
was none of their business. 4th, Because Robert Galbraith 
and John Wilkins, Esqs., elders of the church, have not sup- 
ported characters becoming their office, but have indulged 
themselves in drinking and card-playing. Mr. Wilkins is 
charged with being idle with women ; and Mr. Galbraith has 
not settled his accounts with him for stipends collected from 
October, 1785, to April, 1787. 5th, Because Mr. Dunning, 
elder, besides his not paying a strict attention to his word, 
has not been scrupulous in altering his neighbor's landmark ; 
which betrays a covetous disposition, and unbecoming one 
who should be an example to the flock. 6th, and lastly. That 
since his application, he has still more reason to continue 
his resolution, from the industry of the above-named gentle- 
men, together with George Wallace, Esq., to render his labors 
useless, both here and elsewhere, by circulating false reports, 
and preventing the congregation and himself from worshipping 
God, in a peaceable manner, in the house of God, on the Sab- 
bath day. 

Presbyterian churches, and the churches of Allegheny City and Law- 
renceville, were, more or less, formed out of it. Two of them were lite- 
rally colonies from it. Its contributions in aid of our Board, of the 
Seminary, of weak churches, and of other benevolent objects, have 
been vast ; but whether they have given in proportion as the Lord hath 
prospered them, it is not for us to determine. They will soon, it is 
expected, enter a new and spacious building, far exceeding, in magnifi- 
cence, its predecessors. May the true glory of the latter house exceed 
the glory of the former houses. The Synod of Pittsburg, October 4tb, 
1822, detached this church, with its pastor, together with several other 
churches and pastors, and attached them to the Presbytery of Ohio. 
Number of communicants in 1854, 311. 



CHARGES AGAINST MR. BARR. 379 

Charges exhibited by the session and trustees of Pittsburg 
congregation against the Rev. Samuel Barr, in consequence 
of his application to Presbytery for a dismission from the 
Unity congregation of Pittsburg and Pittstownship, and in 
compliance with a notification from Presbytery to the Session 
and Trustees of Pittsburg congregation, to show cause, if any 
they have, why said Barr should not be removed from his 
pastoral relation to them. 1. They intend to show that Mr. 
Barr has not had any reason, from Pittsburg congregation, to 
make any such application. 2. They intend to show that 
Mr. Barr has not done his duty, as a clergyman, to said con- 
gregation, by absenting himself from them at sundry times, 
without the consent of session or congregation, or leave ob- 
tained, or his business abroad known to them. 3. They in- 
tend to show that Mr. Barr has not done his duty as a cler- 
gyman, by not visiting the families of said congregation at 
their houses, and in not catechising and examining them, as he 
ought to do. 4. They intend to show that Mr. Barr has col- 
lected a considerable sum of money in Philadelphia and New 
York, for the use of Pittsburg congregation, and has never 
rendered any account of the same, nor paid any part of it 
into the hands of the Trustees, or to any other person, for the 
use of said church. Adjourned to meet to-morrow morning, 
at 8 o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 

Wednesday, June 10th. — Presbytery met according to ad- 
journment. Ubi post preces sederunt qui supra. Ordered 
to read the minutes of the last session. Mr. Barr alleges, in 
support of his first reason, &c. [The whole testimony is then 
introduced and recorded, on both sides, which we will not 
here publish. This occupied the Presbytery on Wednesday 
and Thursday. We shall give next the finding of the court.] 

Friday, June 12th. — Presbytery met according to adjotirn- 
ment. Ubi post preces sederunt qui supra. Ordered to read 
the minutes of the last session. The Presbytery, after hear- 
ing all the parties had to say, examining the witnesses that 
were produced on both sides, and maturely deliberating on 



380 OPINION OF PRESBYTERY ON MR. BARR S CASE. 

the matter, are of opinion, that the reasons offered by Mr. 
Barr, why he desires a dismission from the congregations of 
Pittsburg and Pittstownship, are groundless ; and some of 
them, if they had been true, did not at all exist at the time 
when he made the application — it appearing evident to the 
Presbytery, in the course of the trial, that it was his own 
misconduct, principally, that occasioned the people's non-at- 
tendance on his ministry : that he never had used any proper 
means to have discipline duly exercised, but, on the contrary, 
did himself countenance card-playing, and night-revelling, 
and did nominate and ordain persons as elders, though he 
knew that they did practice, and by his permission, deter- 
mined to practice, some of those very things which he now 
brings in as charges against them. And though he has 
brought in some very grievous charges against particular per- 
sons, yet it does not appear that he, even in private, endea- 
vored their reformation, by admonishing or reproving them 
for their misconduct ; and has entirely failed in proving any 
of them, except that of card-playing, which was not denied. 
It further appears, in the course of the trial, that Mr. Barr 
has, in many things, behaved in a manner entirely unbecoming 
a minister of the gospel — in neglecting the visitation of fami- 
lies in the town of Pittsburg, and catechising, except a few 
children, on the Sabbath evenings — in one case refusing to 
baptise a child without money being first given, which last, 
however, is supported by only one witness — in publishing a 
piece in the Gazette, in which are some very unbecoming ex- 
pressions, and one profane oath — in neglecting to consult 
with his session, and make use of their assistance, in the 
spiritual matters of the congregation — in his inconsistent 
procedure in the affair of baptising Gen. Gibson's child — 
and in neglecting to give the Trustees a proper account of 
the money subscribed for the use of the congregation, though 
there is not evidence to show that he designed any fraud 
thereby. 

Upon the whole, the Presbytery conclude that the state of 



THE CHAEGES EEFERRED TO VIRGINIA SYNOD. 381 

things, in these congregations, is such, that there is no pros- 
pect of Mr. Barr's being useful among them — and that, 
therefore, the union between him and them ought to be, and 
is hereby dissolved. Thej do also conclude that his conduct 
has been very injurious to the cause of religion and virtue ; 
and that, -without an alteration, it will continue to be so : there- 
fore, although we feel tenderly for him, we cannot see how we 
can justify ourselves before God, the world, or our own con- 
sciences, without declaring this as our judgment, viz. : that 
he ought not to exercise any part of his ministerial office 
until the mind of our Synod is known thereon ; to whom we 
do defer the ultimate determination of the matter.* 

* The Rev. Dr. Foote, in whose hands, at present, are the old Records 
of the Synod of Virginia, has kindly furnished us with the following 
statement, as the result of this matter, when it came up in the Synod: 

" At the second meeting of the Synod of Virginia, which was in Lex- 
ingten, Virginia, 1789, on Thursday, 22d of October, the case of Mr. 
Barr was brought up by the Committee of Overtures, as a reference 
from Redstone Presbytery, stating that the Presbytery has suspended 
Mr. Barr till the judgment of Synod could be known. The subject was 
under consideration ; and papers from Mr. Barr were read, but not re- 
corded. The Synod determined that, as Mr. Barr had introduced new 
matter in those papers, and referred to new witnesses, and made in- 
sinuations against the Presbytery, 'they therefore agree to refer the 
consideration of the whole affair, de novo, to the Ptev. Messrs. James 
Power, Thaddeus Pod, James Dunlap, Edward Crawford, John Mont- 
gomery, Moses Hoge, and Col. Robert White, Elder, or any three of 
the whole number, as a Committee of Synod : and the Synod recommend 
it to said Committee, to be as careful as possible, with regard to the na- 
ture of the evidence which they admit upon the occasion — that no ap- 
pearance of prejudice or party spirit may exist in the decision. The 
Committee is appointed to meet at Pittsburg, on the fourth Tuesday of 
November next. Mr. Barr is directed to give notice to the parties con- 
cerned, about Pittsburg, of the resolution of the Synod: and Messrs. 
M'Millan and Finley are directed to give notice to the parties in the 
bounds of Redstone Presbytery contiguous to them : and the witnesses 
who appeared against Mr; Barr, before the Presbytery of Redstone, are 
to have notice to specify the times and places of the respective charges : 
and Mr. 'Barr is to specify his charges against the members of the con- 



382 REFERRED BY THE SYNOD TO A COMMITTEE. 

The Presbytery cannot but testify, upon tbis occasion, tbeir 
disapprobation of card-playing, night-revelling, and using any 

gregation against whom he complains : this interchange of notice to be 
at least ten days before the meeting of the Committee of Synod.' 

"At the meeting of the Synod of Virginia, in Winchester, (their third 
meeting,) September, 1790, on Thursday, the 30th, ' Ordered that the 
Committee of Synod appointed to meet at Pittsburg, the 25th of No- 
vember last, now make their report. Upon which the minutes of the 
Committee were read, which are as follows : Pittsburg, AVednesday, 
November 25th, 1789. — The Committee of the Synod of Virginia having 
been prevented from meeting yesterday, agreeably to the appointment 
of Synod, because of the badness of the roads, and the inclemency of 
the weather, met this morning, at the house of Mr. David "Waters, at 10 
o'clock. Present — the Rev. Messrs. Thaddeus Dod, Edward Crawford, 
John Montgomery. Absent — the Rev. Messrs. James Powers, James 
Dunlap, Moses Hoge, and Robert "White, Elder. The Committee was 
constituted with prayer. The Rev. Mi*. Dod was chosen Chairman, and 
Mr. Montgomery, Clerk. Mr. Francis Ilindman, a preacher of the gos- 
pel from Lewis Presbytery, occasionally present, was appointed As- 
sistant Clerk.' Then follow about twenty pages, quarto, of charges, 
evidence, and doings, &c., &c., all of which was read to the Synod, and 
put on their record. ' The Committee then agreed to the following de- 
termination : This Committee, finding that the members who composed 
the Presbytery, which formerly sat on Mr. Barr's trial, did not attend, 
and it not appearing to the said Committee whether or not they con- 
sider themselves as having legal notice ; and finding that Mr. Barr's 
former prosecutors did not wish to appear in any form against him in 
the trial, the Committee then proceeded to attend to the papers pro- 
duced by Mr. Barr, duly attested, and a number of personal evidences, 
which tended to give light to the subject; and having compared these 
with the minutes of the Presbytery which sat upon his former trial, and 
finding matters to stand in a different view — therefore, the Committee 
determined that the charges exhibited by the session and Trustees of 
the Pittsburg congregation, against Mr. Barr, are luliollij unsupported; 
and that he be considered in full and regular standing in the church.' 

"The action of the Synod, on this subject, is in these words: 'The 
Synod accepted the report of the Committee, as now amended, and con- 
sider Mr. BaiT in regular standing in the church.' 

" That is all," says Dr. Foote ; " and this -short sentence immediately 
follows the report of the Committee, without any resolution being re- 
corded." • 



HISTORY OF LAUREL HILL CONGREGATION. 383 

expressions leading to immodest ideas, as practices very un- 
becoming in any professor of religion, and such as would lay 
a just foundation for exclusion from church privileges, in any 
congregation where discipline is duly exercised ; and that, 
therefore, such of the elders of the church of Pittsburg as 
have appeared before us to be guilty of such things, ought to 
be, and are hereby admonished to abstain from such practices 
for the future — and be informed that, without a reformation, 
they ought to be further dealt with. Adjourned to meet at 
Laurel Hill, the third Tuesday of August. Concluded with 
prayer. 

TWENTY-SIXTH MEETING. 

LAUREL HILL, (38) Tuesday, the 18th of August, 1789. 
— Presbytery met according to adjournment, &c. The Pres- 
bytery was opened with a sermon from I. John iv. 18, by 

(38) Laurel Hill. — This church was, perhaps, organized as early as 
1776, by Dr. Power, soon after his removal to the West, in that year. 
It appears to have been supplied, in part, by him, for a few years, in 
connection with some other places in Fayette and Westmoreland Coun- 
ties, until, in 1779, he became the pastor of Sewickly and Mount Plea- 
sant congregations. ^ 

This qhurch, in connection with Dunlap's Creek, obtained the pas- 
toral services of the Rev. James Dunlap, D.D., who was installed among 
them October 15th, 1782. From the latter church he was dismissed, 
April 22d, 1782, and remained with Laurel Hill till June 29th, 1803. 
The Rev. James Guthrie was ordained and installed in the congrega- 
tions of Laurel Hill and Tyrone, August 17th, 1805. He remained 
their pastor till his death, August 24th, 1850. In June, 1850, these 
congregations called the Rev. Joel Stoneroad, the present pastor, who 
was installed co-pastor with this venerable man. 

This church of Laurel Hill, one of the oldest in the West, after a pe- 
riod of decline for some years past, is now in a growing and prosperous 
state, and has recently erected a large and commodious brick house of 
worship, having a good parochial school in the basement. It bus often 
been visited by refreshing showers of divine influence. Number of 
communicants in the two churches of Laurel Hill and Tyrone, as re- 
cently reported, 203. 



384 HISTORY OF RACCOON CONGREGATION. 

Mr. M'Pherrin. Messrs. Patterson and M'Pherrin — dis- 
courses — sustained. 

The Rev. Messrs. Finley, Smith, and M'Millan are ap- 
pointed to transact the affair relative to Mr. Barr's suspension, 
at the next meeting of Synod. Messrs. Clark and Patterson 
appointed to supply one Sabbath each at Mr. M'Millan's 
pulpit, during his absence at Synod. 

Mr. Finley's and Mr. Power's reasons for not attending 
the meeting of the General Assembly — sustained. 

" The Presbytery having received suiEcient testimonials," 
&c. — (see Formulary for the Government of the Church, 
chapter xiv., section 8.) Mr. M'Pherrin was licensed. 

Mr. Porter's Homily and Presbyterial Exercises — sustained. 

Mr. Marshal's Homily and Exegesis sustained. The ordi- 
nation of Mr. Patterson — appointed at Upper Raccoon, on 
the second Wednesday of November. Mr. Dod — to preach 
the ordination sermon ; Mr. Smith to preside, or in his ab- 
sence — Mr. Power. Mr. Porter was appointed to prepare a 
lecture on Isaiah vi. 1-8, and a popular sermon on Philip- 
pians iv. 13, by our next meeting. Mr. Marshall to prepare 
a Presbyterial exercise on Romans viii., 16, by our next 
meeting. 

Ordered that collections be raised from the several congre- 
gations under the care of this Presbytery, agreeably to an 
act of the General Assembly, and that the money collected, 
be brought in at our next meeting. Adjourned to meet at 
Upper Raccoon, on the second Tuesday of November. Con- 
cluded with prayer. 

TVTENTY-SEVENTH MEETING. 

UPPER RACCOON, (39) Tuesday, 10th of November, 

(39) Raccoon. — The Rev. -Joseph Patterson was installed pastor of this 
church, in connection with Monteur's Run, November 11th, 1789. The 
latter charge he resigned, April IGth, 1799— but remained pastor of the 
former till October IGth, 1816. He was their first pastor; but the 
church was organized some years before. On the 27th of May, 1S17, 



ORDINATION OF MR. PATTERSON. 885 

1789. — Presbytery met, &c. Presbytery was opened by 
Messrs. John Brice, and James Hughes, with sermons on 
subjects appointed to them at the preceding meeting. The 
discourses of Messrs. Brice and Hughes were sustained. 

Mr. M'Millan reported that Mr. Finley and himself 
attended Synod according to appointment ; and that the 
affair of Mr. Barr's suspension was referred to a committee 
of Synod to meet at Pittsburg, on the fourth Tuesday, inst. 
Mr. Dunlap, by letter, informed Presbytery, at his own re- 
quest the settlement with Dunlap's Creek Congregation is 
deferred. Mr. M'Pherrin reports his appointments fulfilled. • 

The Rev. Robert Finley, formerly a member of the Pres- 
bytery of South Carolina, applied to be received ; and pro- 
ducing the requisite testimonials and a dismission — was duly 
received. The Presbytery, according to appointment, pro- 
ceeded to the ordination of Mr. Joseph Patterson, and did 
by fasting and prayer, and with the imposition of hands of 
Presbytery, set him apart to the holy of&ce of the gospel 
ministry. Mr. Dod preached upon the occasion from Acts 
XX., 28. Mr, M'Millan presided, and Mr. Robert Finley 
gave the charge. Mr. Patterson now takes his seat as a 
member. Mr. Marshal produced his Presbyterial exercise, 
which was sustained. A lecture — appointed to him on Malachi 
iv., 1-8, and a popular sermon on Titus ii., 14, by next 
meeting. The ordination of Mr. Hughes — appointed to be 
at Short creek, on the third Wednesday of April next — Mr. 

the Rev. Moses Allen was installed pastor of this church. He was dis- 
missed in 183-. In June, 1841, the Rev. Clement N. M'Kaig, their 
present pastor, was ordained and installed among them. Their present 
number of communicants (1854) — 280. This church shared largely in 
the glorious revival of 1802. In October of that year, the Lord's 
supper vras administered there ; and the mighty power of divine grace 
■R'as displayed on that occasion, in the conviction and conversion of 
great numbers. This church has also ministered to the formation and 
growth of not only other churches around, but of various churches 
through the "West. It has always been, and is still, one of the heights 
of our Western Zion. 

25 



386 A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF 

Smitli to preach the ordination sermon, and Mr. J. Finley 
to preside and give the charge. The ordination of Mr. Bricc 
— appointed at Three Ridges, on the fourth Thursday of 
April next : Mr. Dunlap is appointed to preach the ordination 
sermon, and Mr. M'Millan to preside and give the charge. 

Agreeably to a recommendation of the Synod of Virginia, 
for raising contributions for the support of missionaries, the 
Presbytery agree to make contributions in the several con- 
gregations for that purpose, as soon as convenient, and that 
the report of success in the same, be brought in, at our next 
meeting. Mr. Porter — discourses sustained. 

" The Presbytery having received sufficient testimonials," 
&c. — (see Formulary for the Government of the Church, 
chapter xiv., section 8.) — Mr. Samuel Porter was licensed. 
Supplies assigned him at nearly all the above mentioned places. 
Adjourned to meet at Short creek, on the third Tuesday of 
April next. Concluded with prayer. 

A Biographical Sketch of the Rev. Joseph Patterson 
— hy the Rev. E. P. /Sivift, B. i>., — to wliicli are added 
several illustrative anecdotes. 

The Rev. Joseph Patterson was born in the county of 
Down, Ireland, A. D. 1752. He was descended from an 
ancestry distinguished for their piety ; and the exemplary 
and eminent godliness of his parents appears to have early 
impressed itself upon his youthful mind. Although there is 
reason to believe that he became the subject of permanent 
and saving impressions of religion at the early age of ten 
years, his conviction of sin, and his apprehension of the work 
and offices of Christ and the plan of salvation, Avere appa- 
rently marked with all the clearness and impressiveness of 
maturer years. Under the impulse of these deep impressions 
of divine truth, he, with three or four little associates, ex- 
hibited the delightful scene of a circle of children, accustomed 
statedly and privately to meet in a retired copse of thorns to 




aXx. 



<^ix^ 



.^^S^i^ 



w?r(^'^-^^ 



P.S. Du^a/&-C'jY^a-y^^2/,.y 



THE REV. JOSEPH PATTERSON. 387 

unite in their supplications to the Divine Redeemer for pardon 
and salvation : and it was when these serious and observant 
children began to ask him, with increasing astonishment, 
where he obtained those new prayers which he was accus- 
tomed to offer in their hearing, that we may trace the first 
openings of that Christian character, which has since, for 
more than half a century, been maturing and shedding its 
influence upon all the circles in which he moved. His first 
clear apprehensions of the way of salvation seem to have 
been derived from an affectionate explanation of it by his 
pious father while ploughing in the field, when he was enabled 
cordially to accept it, and embrace Christ, as his everlasting 
portion. Nor would such early beginnings of a life of faith 
and prayer be so rare as they are in the church, if Christian 
parents in like manner were in the habit of thus wisely andi 
kindly turning the hours of active business into the seasons 
of mingled instruction and fervent praj^-er. 

At the age of twenty, Mr. Patterson, having united in 
marriage witb one whose domestic virtues, and humble, fervent 
piety greatly contributed to his prosperity and happiness for 
many years, emigrated to America, and after a short stay in 
Pennsylvania, established himself under the ministry of the 
Rev. Dr. Clarke, in the county of Saratoga, in the State of 
New York. He appears to have been influenced in this 
choice of a residence, by a desire to enjoy the instructions 
of this estimable man, of whose sincere godliness and useful 
labors he often spoke with great respect and commendation. 
The arrival of his parents in Pennsylvania, in 1774, led him 
to return to this State ; and from this period until the com- 
mencement of the Revolutionary war, he was chiefly employed 
in the instruction of a school near Germantown. Being thus 
near the spot where that illustrious convention met which 
drew up and signed the Declaration of Independence, he was 
present to hear it first publicly read, and his mind largely 
shared in those exalted sentiments of patriotism, which then 
so universally consecrated the intelligence, and piety, and 



388 A BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCH 'OF 

resources of our country, to one great effort for its deliver- 
ance. As a volunteer in this good cause, he forsook his 
school, and embarked in all the dangers and perils of his 
country's freedom ; and here, amidst the varied fortunes of 
the Revolutionary contest, he passed some of the most inte- 
resting scenes of his long and prosperous life. 

In 1777, he removed to York County, and in 1779 to 
Washington County, accompanied in his removal to this then 
new and thinly inhabited country by many valuable Chris- 
tian friends, with whom he had become acquainted in the 
place of his last residence. These were the days, in the set- 
tlement of this western land, which " tried men's souls." Be- 
sides the moral courage demanded in removing so far from 
the nearest white settlements on the eastern slope of the 
mountains, and that by a road almost impassable, on which 
alone some of the staple articles of life were to come, if they 
ever reached these remote dwellings in the "West, they were 
subject to the most appalling scenes of massacre and devasta- 
tion from those numerous tribes of Indians who occupied the 
Western forests. Often were the new and thinly-scattered 
clusters of civilized habitations alarmed by the sudden incur- 
sions of this barbarous foe ; and the patriarchal father, now 
deceased, in common with the sturdy, and pious, and enter- 
prising yeomanry of that period, often took his rifle upon his 
shoulder, as he started through the woods of a Sabbath morn- 
ing to the house of God, as a kind of necessary appendage, 
to defend his person by the way, and to aid in the protection 
of his fellow-worshippers, in the event of a preconcerted and 
murderous surprisal. And these desperate invaders often 
lurked for days around the abodes and fields of the unsus- 
pecting settlers, and here and there, as they found it practi- 
cable, they would fall upon the unprotected cabin, rob it of 
its contents, massacre its inmates, and reduce it to ashes. 
Amidst these scenes of danger, and these exercises of trust 
in God, often did this worthy man, in common with others, 
experience those manifest interpositions and deliverances of 



THE EEV. JOSEPH PATTERSON. 389 

Providence, wliich recalled to their minds, with grateful emo- 
tion, the assured aspiration of the Psalmist, 'Because thou 
hast made the Lord which is my refuge, even the Most High, 
thy habitation ; thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by 
night, for he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep 
thee in all thy ways.' 

" Mr. Patterson had, at a very early period of his life, felt 
a strong desire to devote himself to the work of the gospel 
ministry; but as the events of his life did not seem to open 
the way for the prosecution of the studies which are customary 
in such cases, he appears to have for some time abandoned 
that pleasing hope with respect to himself, and concentrated 
his wishes and his prayers in the object of rearing up a son, 
whom he might thus devote to the work of the Lord. The 
rapid increase of the settlements, and the great destitution 
am'ong the people of the means of grace, led those honored 
and self-denied fathers, on whom ' came daily the care of all 
the churches' in the wilderness, to put in requisition every 
practicable means of supplying the lack of gospel instruction : 
and with a judiciousness and discrimination which subsequent 
events abundantly confirmed, they directed the attention of a 
few men ' of good report' in the churches, and inured to the 
privations of this new country, to the duty of such an imme- 
diate preparation for the sacred office as circumstances would 
permit. Mr. Patterson's character for religious attainments 
and eminent piety, at once identified him as one on whom the 
hopes of Zion should be fixed ; and, accordingly, in a short 
narrative now before the writer, he modestly and briefly says, 
in reference to this subject : ' In the fall of the year 1785, 
being thirty-three years old, it was thought best, with the 
advice of the Presbytery of Redstone, that I should endeavor 
to prepare for the gospel ministry. There being no places 
of public education in this western country, I, with a few 
others, engaged in preparatory studies with the Rev. Joseph 
Smith, of Buffalo congregation, Washington County, Pa.' 
While under the tuition of this able man, of whose zeal, and 



390 A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF 

fervor, and pulpit eloquence, the ancients have preserved a 
lively remembrance, and while engaged in his theological 
studies, Mr. Patterson appears to have preserved, in an emi- 
nent degree, a life of communion with God, and deep and 
growing concern for the spiritual welfare of his fellow-men. 
Among the original papers, which, we regret to saj, are few, 
that were left by this venerable man, there is a series of let- 
ters which he wrote to Mrs. Patterson and the children, 
during his residence abroad, and the perusal of which cannot 
but produce an earnest wish that every student of theology 
might learn how entirely, as it were, the great and glorious 
topics of practical religion may absorb the mind, and inter- 
weave themselves with all the communications of private 
friendship, and conjugal and parental affection, while, at the 
same time, the mind is successfully engaged in the acquisition 
of academical knowledge. This term of preparation was also 
replete with such periods of great religious enjoyment, and 
with such special answers to prayer, and such Providential 
leadings and deliverances, as not only tended to confirm his 
mind in the belief of his call to the work of the ministry, but 
to make that ministry a richer blessing to the people of his 
charge. 

" Having completed his studies, and sustained his trials 
before the Presbytery of Redstone, he was licensed to preach 
the gospel in August, 1788. There was a little incident con- 
nected with this event, and related to the writer by him, a 
short period before his death, which not only illustrates the 
beauties of domestic piety, but the loving-kindness of the Lord 
to all who wait upon him. The mind of this godly man was 
anxious, for some time before, not only that his trial discourse 
might be sustained by the Presbytery, but that his first essay 
at preaching the gospel might be blessed to the souls of the 
people in whose audience it was to be delivered. As he was 
about to mount his horse to repair to the Presbytery, there- 
fore, he said to Mrs. Patterson, on taking his leave : 'Accord- 
ing to the established order of Presbytery, I shall be called 



THE REV. JOSEPH PATTERSON. 391 

to preach my trial sermon on Thursday at 12 o'clock, and I 
would thank you to remember me at the throne of grace at 
that time.' Contrary, however, to his expectation, he was 
called to fulfil this customary service at the same hour on the 
preceding day. On entering his house on his return, Mrs. 
Patterson said to him : ' I think you did not deliver your 
trial sermon on Thursday, as you expected.' 'When did I, 
then?' he inquired. 'I think,' she seriously replied, 'from 
the impressions which were made upon my mind, that it 
was at 12 o'clock on Wednesday !' Such a fact needs no 
comment. 

" In April, 1789, or about eight months after his licensure, 
Mr. P. received and accepted a call to take the pastoral 
charge of the united congregations of Raccoon and Montour's 
Run. He continued to serve these two congregations for 
about ten or twelve years, when it was found that each had 
become sufficiently large to require the exclusive services 
of a gospel minister, and he accordingly resigned the care of 
the latter ; and from that time until bodily infirmities rendered 
it impossible for him longer to sustain the pastoral relation, 
(which occurred in the autumn of 1816, after he had been for 
twenty-seven years and a half pastor of Raccoon,) he con- 
tinued his persevering and faithful labors among that favored 
people. The only record which this venerable father has left 
of these years of exemplary ministerial fidelity, is contained 
in the brief and humble memorandum which he made on de- 
mitting his solemn charge into the hands of Presbytery: — 'I 
resigned my charge on account of bodily infirmity, after being 
pastor of Raccoon twenty-seven years and six months ; for 
every day of which I need pardon through the blood of 
Christ.' That record, however, which his humility and self- 
abasement would not allow him to make, abundantly exists in 
the grateful remembrance of the people, in the growth and 
size of his congregations, and in those frequent and powerful 
revivals of religion with which his ministry was owned and 
blessed of God. That, as a pastor, he was abundant in his 



392 A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF 

labors, "was honored and beloved of his people, and for a long 
course of years dwelt as a father among his children, is a fact 
to which many can bear the fullest testimony. 

" Besides some other bereavements of his children, Mr. 
Patterson was called, during his residence at Raccoon, (in 
1808,) to follow his pious partner to the grave ; and, deeply 
as his feelings must have been affected by so trying a dispen- 
sation, he was enabled, in compliance with a mutual agree- 
ment which had been entered into between them years before, 
in relation to the survivor, to sit at her dying pillow, and 
explain the nature and consequences of the believer's death, 
till her spirit fled. He had the satisfaction, however, amid 
the darkest hours of life, to enjoy the precious light of the 
Redeemer's presence, and to see all his children hopefully 
united to Christ in the bonds of the covenant, and happily 
settled in the relations and pursuits of life. At his second 
marriage, (in 1812,) which w;as one of much happiness to 
himself and his children, and of which he makes a very aifec- 
tionate mention in his will, it would be unsuitable for us to 
say more than that his departure has left in widowhood one 
of kindred spirit with himself. 

"Nor were his cares and efforts confined to the people of his 
charge. He was one of the founders, and an active officer 
for many years, of the Western Missionary Society ; and, 
from numerous memoranda in his note books, it appears that 
he not only diligently collected funds in aid of that Society, 
but that he was, for some years from and after the erection 
of the academy at Canonsburg, (now Jefferson College,) much 
engaged in collecting donations, and otherwise actively- pro- 
moting the interests of that flourishing institution, of which 
he was a trustee. 

" Like other ministers of his day, ' whose praise is in all 
these western churches,' he often took missionary tours, for 
the purpose of visiting new and destitute settlements, and ad- 
ministering gospel ordinances to young and feeble churches. 
It is believed that he preached the first sermon which was 



THE EEV. JOSEPH PATTERSON. 393 

ever delivered to a congregation of white people north-west 
of the Ohio river ; and there is before us a journal of a tour 
of several months, as a missionary to the Shawnee Indians, 
on the branches of the Maumee, Ohio, in the summer of 1802, 
which is replete with useful information, and with interesting 
and surprising incidents, illustrative of the perils and priva- 
tions of the enterprise, the zeal and perseverance with which 
it was executed, and the Brainard-like spirituality and prayer- 
fulness of the missionary. 

"That this devoted man was, during the period of his 
stated ministry, engaged in preaching the Word both ' in sea- 
son and out of season,' at home and abroad, more abundantly 
than most men, is manifest from the fact that, besides exhor- 
tations and addresses delivered in numerous social meetings, 
he preached in this time 2572 sermons and lectures, exclusive 
of afternoon discourses, when they formed part of the subject 
discussed in the morning. It is worthy of remark, also, as 
appears from the list which he regularly kept of the passages 
on which he discoursed, that he seldom preached a second 
time on the same text, and when he did, it was seldom sub- 
stantially the same discourse. 

" When the infirmities of life required this venerable minis- 
ter reluctantly to relinquish the charge of his beloved flock, 
he wisely resolved to leave the field of his former labors, and 
pass the remainder of his days in this city, where his attend- 
ance on divine ordinances would be attended with less incon- 
venience — where he might enjoy the society of the families 
of two of his surviving children — and where he might also 
prolong the period of his active services in the cause of Christ. 
Indeed, it may well be doubted whether this change did not, 
in fact, augment, rather than diminish, the amount of his use- 
fulness to the church of God. This suggestion is based upon 
the unquestionable fact, that no man, at his time of life, could 
have been more actively engaged in his Master's work, than 
was this excellent man during the fourteen years in which he 
dwelt in this city, and that it is difficult to see how his quali- 



394 A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF 

fications for usefulness could, at his age, have been turned to 
better account than thej actually were. 

"Without, it is believed, any formal rule on the subject, 
Mr. P. was accustomed, when in tolerable health, and the 
weather favorable, to divide his time in such a way as to give 
to every day its appropriate share in the three following em- 
ployments, viz. : 1. Reading, meditation and prayer. 2. Social 
religious intercourse, in which he received and conversed with 
his friends, and those who sought his advice and an interest 
in his prayers ; friendly visits to the sick, bereaved and 
afflicted, and calls upon such of various denominations and 
stations in life as prized his friendship, and were cheered, 
quickened and instructed by his kind and parental admoni- 
tions, and his judicious and affectionate counsels. 3. Active 
labors in the distribution of the Holy Scriptures — in watch- 
ing over the interests, and transacting a large share of the 
business, of Bible, Missionary, Sabbath School, Tract, and 
such other benevolent societies as relied upon his prompt and 
vigilant attention to their welfare. At some seasons of the 
year, almost every day of the week would find him passing 
along the shores of our rivers, entering hundreds of boats con- 
taining families of emigrants from various parts of the world, 
kindly inquiring after the temporal and spiritual welfare of 
these often destitute and afflicted strangers, giving them such 
advice as to their secular concerns as they needed, and 
making sure that they were supplied with a copy of the Bible. 
There was a familiarity, an affection, and an impressiveness 
in these brief communications — so benevolent, pains-taking 
and cordial in themselves — as often made a deep impression 
upon the mind : and it is believed that there are hundreds of 
families scattered through the vast regions of the West, who 
will long remember the kindness and counsels of this apostolic 
man, whom they never saw or knew, but when they touched 
for a few hours at the wharves of this city. 

" Sometimes they would follow him from boat to boat, to 
listen to his brief and appropriate instructions — at others, 



THE REV. JOSEPH PATTERSON. 395 

tliey would betray a strong curiosity to know what could be 
his motive, in taking so much pains, at his advanced age, to 
ascertain whether they possessed the Bible, or wanted any- 
thing which he could supply ; but, at all times, they treated 
him with great respect, and often expressed their obligations 
in the most grateful manner. 

" He acted as agent for the receipt and distribution of 
Bibles, to a greater or less extent, for the Pittsburg, the 
Young Men's and Female Bible Societies of this city, and 
for the Philadelphia and American Bible Societies, which oc- 
casionally placed donations of the sacred volume at his dis- 
posal, as did the British and Foreign Bible Society, on one 
occasion, 100 Irish Testaments. During his fourteen years' 
residence in this city, it appears, from his entries, that he re- 
ceived and distributed 3920 Bibles, and 2943 Testaments, 
making a total of 6863 copies. When it is considered, that 
most of these were accompanied with his affectionate and faith- 
ful counsels and fervent prayers, we see what a noble monu- 
ment to his industry and usefulness is here reared. 

" Individuals and societies at a distance also were occasion- 
ally in the habit of requesting him to transact for them such 
items of business, pertaining to the interests of religion, as 
demanded the exercise of his judgment; and it was frequently 
truly instructive to see with what fidelity and promptness he 
fulfilled their wishes, and aided them in their attempts to build 
up the Redeemer's kingdom. He was long a very efiicient 
and active friend of the American Tract Society, and dis- 
tributed, with his own hands, many thousands of these and 
other useful publications. 

" From a book containing the names of a large number of 
citizens of different denominations, engaging to meet and form 
a Sabbath School Society, and dated November, 1817, it would 
appear that the association, afterwards called the Sabbath 
School Union, originated in the personal exertions of this 
diligent and persevering servant of Christ ; and, for some years 
after this period, he was chiefly depended upon for the col- 



396 A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF 

lection of its necessary funds, as he was frequently found 
visiting and addressing those precious seminaries of youthful 
piety and virtue. Indeed, among no class of persons was he 
more highly respected, and sincerely loved, than the youths 
and children of our Sabbath-schools. He had a faculty of 
interesting and gaining the attention of children, as valuable 
as it is rare, and hence, they not only loved to hear him speak, 
and to greet him when they met him in the streets, but were 
often ambitious to do him some act of kindness. 

" His known reputation for wisdom and prudence, and 
accessibility to all classes of persons, united with his deep 
experimental knowledge of religion, naturally led persons of 
various ages and stations in life to spread before him their 
peculiar diflSculties, and solicit his judgment on questions of 
casuistry, and his advice on points of duty ; and while he 
never betrayed the trust reposed in him, and entered feelingly 
into the trials and perplexities of his friends, and led them 
earnestly to a Throne of Grace, he seldom failed to leave on 
their minds a deep sense of the soundness of his understanding 
and the sincerity of his heart. 

" To the ministers of the Gospel, and especially to his 
young brethren, preparing for, or just entering upon the work, 
and such as were going to labor in the new and distant fields 
of the West, he was eminently useful, as an intimate acquaint- 
ance with the trials, and discouragements, and temptations 
of the ministerial office, and a long and accurate knowledge 
of men and things, fitted him to point out to them their dan- 
gers, and the grounds of their encouragement, and impart to 
them the most valuable practical instruction. He usually 
saw, interested himself in, and conversed with, ministers 
passing through this city to their respective stations in the 
"West ; and it is believed that there are many who will remem- 
ber him with gratitude and pleasm-e as long as they live. 
Thus, on the verge of eighty, and with bodily infirmities which 
would have entirely laid aside any man of ordinary resolution, 
this venerable minister of Christ was in these useful employ- 



THE JIEV. JOSEPH PATTEESOHT. 397 

ments exhibiting a pattern of industry and of method in the 
despatch of business which often astonished and delighted the 
observer. Nor was this all. Besides a great number of ad- 
dresses and exhortations delivered in public assemblies, and 
in more private circles of social worship, he preached one 
hundred and seventy sermons during his residence in this 
city ; and almost always bore a large share of the labors at- 
tendant on the administration of the sacramental supper in 
our churches. Although all his public performances were 
highly edifying and instructive, especially to^ experienced 
Christians, (the class of persons for whom they were generally 
intended, and whom, as he often remarked, he seemed espe- 
cially qualified and designed to benefit,) yet it was on these 
occasions in particular that the depth of his experimental 
knowledge, the lustre of his graces, and the intimacy of his 
communion with God, shone out in the strongest light. Every 
one who knew his worth, delighted to see and hear him when 
he rose to dispense those sacramental emblems, and address, 
out of the fulness of his heart, those whom he loved as dear 
children in the family of Christ. His addresses also, and his 
prayers on days of fasting, humiliation, or any special occa- 
sions, and in church judicatories, were always singularly fer- 
vent, appropriate, and impressive. 

" The last discourse which he delivered was on Sabbath, 
the 8th of January, in the Second Presbyterian Church ; and 
it was truly, in its matter and its manner, such a testimony 
for the great Master, as any gospel minister might feel happy 
to give, on taking his final leave of the pulpit, and ascending 
to his last account. The ' path of the just as a shining light' 
was his topic, and to unfold the duties and sins, the trials and 
deliverances, the hopes and fears of that path, until it termi- 
nates on Jordan's other shore, was the object of the preacher, 
and an object which seemed so to interest, to absorb his 
thoughts, and to fill his heart with such high and compre- 
hensive views of the mysteries of redeeming grace, that he 
forgot the infirmities of the flesh, and with the vivacity and 



398 A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF 

animation of youth, he labored, though often apparently In 
vain, to give utterance to those conceptions of the subject 
which crowded upon his mind. 

" During the protracted meetings which were held in the 
first and second Presbytei'ian churches, and the seasons of 
sacramental communion with which they were accompanied, 
he attended most of the services, and took an active part in 
their labors. These public exercises were closed in the con- 
gregation with which he usually worshipped, on Monday, 
January 30, when he gave a very solemn exhortation to the 
people, which proved to be the last official act of his life. On 
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, he seemed as well as 
usual, and nothing Very noticeable occurred, except that in 
the devotional exercises of the family, particularly on the last 
of these evenings, his mind seemed remarkably drawn out in 
prayer for his children, his grand-children, the Theological 
Seminary, the ministers of the gospel, and the church of God, 
and, last of all, for this ungodly city. It is interesting and 
solemn here to record the fact, that on this memorable occa- 
sion, in which, with his beloved and affectionate partner, he 
approached, for the last time on earth, the family altar, he 
dwelt with so much length and earnestness upon these topics, 
that when he closed, he needed her assistance to rise and re- 
sume his seat. What a sublime and enviable termination this, 
of the domestic devotions of sixty years ! And except, also, 
that often during the day he was heard to hum to himself, as 
though enjoying a pleasing foretaste of heaven, that beautiful 
hymn, containing the words — 

" 'Soon shall I pass the gloomy vale, 
Soon all my mortal powers must fail 
may my last expiring breath 
His loving-kindness sing in death.' 

" He had frequently expressed it as his desire and prayer, 
that his departure might be sudden and tranquil, and he often 
spoke with a degree of confidence that it would happen during 
his 80th year. Having spent the chief of the day in the 



THE REV. JOSEPH PATTERSON". ■ 399 

family of his son, Rev. Robert Patterson, he returned home, 
and retired as usual on Friday night. About one o'clock, on 
Saturday morning, he awoke unwell, and arose, expressing 
the hope that he should feel better by so doing. Soon after, 
however, he said to Mrs. Patterson, with great composure : 
'I am dying — call in the doctor, and my son Joseph' — these 
gentlemen occupying the dwellings immediately adjoining his 
own. Aware, it would seem, of the rapidity of his decline, 
and anxious once more to see his son, Joseph Patterson,' Esq., 
he asked, 'Is Joseph coming?' On being answered in the 
affirmative, he simply added : ' The time is come — Lord help;' 
closed his eyes, and, without a struggle, sank into the sleep 
of death — completely realizing, in his decease, all his fond 
anticipations respecting it. Though long expected, his de- 
parture produced a deep sensation among all classes of the 
community, and the grave and solemn air of the vast assem- 
blage which followed his remains to the tomb, testified their 
sympathy and great sense of his worth. 

" In casting a retrospective glance at the prominent traits 
of character in the venerable subject of the preceding narra- 
tive, and presenting a true and faithful delineation of what 
he was, we find a large number of estimable qualities, all 
moulded and formed by the influence of an early and eminent 
piety, rather than the unusual and prominent development 
of any one attribute. 

"Without the benefit of a collegiate education, without 
the aids of family or fortune, and without a direct opening to 
the ministry until somewhat advanced in life, he was enabled 
by the force of his own moral energy and perseverance to 
arrive to a degree of respectability and veneration in society, 
of usefulness to the cause of Christ, and of maturity and 
lustre of Christian character, which few men under such cir- 
cumstances ever obtain. 

" On inquiring into the causes which led to these results, 
we find them (under God,) to consist in the union of a sound, 
active, practical judgment, and a heart early and very deeply 



400 A BIOGRAPniCAL SKETCH OF 

imbued with the graces of the Holy Spirit, with habits of 
great industry, and untiring pei-severance. 

" 1. The life of this venerable minister of Christ illustrates 
the benefits of early piety, and piety of a clear and decided 
stamp. His moral energies, his trains of thought, his mental 
powers, the aJOTections of his heart, and the aims and purposes 
of his life, were at the very opening of life, influenced, and 
vitally influenced, by the forming, and invigorating and sanc- 
tifying power of gospel grace ; and hence his Christian char- 
acter at eighty, as he stood on the verge of life, like the 
awe-inspiring river just entering the ocean, is broad and deep, 
and has enriched and fertilized many a land in its course, 
because it took its rise at a distance, and has traversed im- 
mense districts, making every part to contribute something to 
augment its volume, and to multiply its treasures. His 
course was early taken — and his onward march was steady 
to the last. In the extent of the empire of grace over him, 
he was truly one of thousands : and the extent to which his 
words, and example, and prayers, in their entire moral energy, 
have affected the minds of hundreds and thousands of the 
living and the dead, during the long course of his godly life, 
must have been great indeed. This early beginning, and be- 
ginning well, involves a measure of physical, and intellectual, 
and religious training, without which such eminency in grace 
and usefulness can hardly be expected to exist. The tall, 
majestic oak, that overtops the wide cluster of the forest, 
indicates as truly the upward course of its. early shoot, as the 
antiquity of its beginning and the appropriateness of the soil 
on which it grows. 

"2. Mr. Patterson was eminently a practical man. He 
undertook nothing without due consideration ; but as he had 
an accurate practical judgment, and was resolute and perse- 
vering in what he undertook, so his expectations of ultimate 
success were sanguine. The same principle that led him to 
prefer practical to speculative knowledge — action to mere 
theory, and which led him to exactness and punctuality in 



THE REV. JOSEPH PATTERSON. 401 

small money matters, in keeping his promises and observing 
his appointments, also led him to say and do whatever he 
intended, just as the occasion presented. Hence he had a 
word in season for every event that occurred, and to meet the 
character and situation of every friend he met in the street — 
if the busy, driving merchant, he would say, ' Well, I suppose 
it would be a great inconvenience to you to die to day' — if 
the afflicted Christian he would say, ' The children of God 
must travel the tribulation road to heaven,' — and if the 
smiling little child, he would say, ' Do not forget how dearly 
Christ loves pious, obedient, and praying children ;' and then 
pass on, producing no interruption in the engagements of 
others, and steadily prosecuting his own. This trait of char- 
acter also made him an interesting and instructive associate, 
an engaging preacher of the gospel, and a wise counsellor. 
It furnished him with brief, appropriate and striking prover- 
bial^gemarks, which arrested the attention and fastened 
indeWly in the memory. His practical wisdom and stirring 
activity enabled him, while laboring with becoming industry 
as a Christian pastor, so to manage his temporal affairs as to 
provide amply for the maintenance of his family, the educa- 
tion of his children, and the liberal exercise of hospitality 
and charity ; and to make all his pursuits subservient to the 
increase of his knowledge and the vigor of his piety. 

" 3. The life of this patriarchal father in our Israel, affords 
a very remarkable exhibition of the effects of a clear and 
comprehensive view of the covenant of grace, as it regulates 
and influences the life and conduct of true believers. He 
regarded the promises of God, made in and through Christ, 
to the church, and every genuine disciple, not as mere verbal 
declarations, but glorious pledges of the divine favor, to be 
received and trusted in implicitly, and he looked upon the 
believing sinner in the day of its ratification with him, through 
faith, as brought into a state that would affect his duty, his 
safety and happiness in every situation in life. Thus he 
! a 
26 



402 A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP 

upon its general results with as much confidence, as on the 
continued laws of nature. Hence, he became pre-eminently 
among us, a man of prayer. By this I do not mean simply 
that he pj-ayed much, but that he prayed so as to be heard 
and answered. His views of the covenant led him not only 
to draw near to God — to exercise the privilege of laying 
every matter before Him, but it led him to expect, for Christ's 
sake, answers of peace, and tidings of joy from heaven ; and 
while there certainly was nothing credulous in his character, 
his private history is replete with striking and remarkable 
instances of direct and unequivocal answers to prayer. 

" He looked upon the Providence of God as a development 
of the pledges of the covenant, so far as the church and every 
believer in Jesus is concerned ; and hence all its events in- 
structed him, and its smallest incidents attracted his notice. 
The frequent striking connection between the course and 
turns of Providence and his own prayers, not only confirmed 
his faith in Christianity, but gave a constant and, gracious 
impulse to all his religious feelings and efi"orts. That 'the 
eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears open 
to their cry,' are facts, of both of which his own experience 
served to afford peculiar attestations. Thus, when in the 
army, and while the troops were sheltered in a kind of tem- 
porary shed made of rough boards, he was engaged in prayer 
in his own apartment, when the rifle of a neighboring soldier 
accidentally went off so as to shiver and break its force on a 
board just in the direction and near the person of the kneeling 
suppliant. At another time, the loss of an article of gfeat 
value to him, because given in answer to prayer, led him so 
to address the Throne of Grace as to arrive at a satisfactory 
persuasion that it would be regained, though such a result at 
the time seemed nearly impossible. A train of apparently 
mere accidental circumstances, most striking in themselves, 
realized his expectations, and filled him with gratitude 
and astonishment. Many affecting instances of a similar 
kind might be enumerated. One of the most common and 



THE REV. JOSEPH PATTERSON. 403 

familiar themes of his conversation was, that the whole scheme 
of Divine Providence is one most wise, and just, and benevo- 
lent and perfect work, of which every trying event in the 
believer's life is a necessary part. In a letter writ;ten to a 
beloved daughter, then in deep affliction, after dwelling with 
great force and beauty upon this thought, he concludes by 
saying, 'Do you remember the dear, pious Mrs. B. of Caro- 
lina, who, when her two only sons were murdered, said, ' The 
pattern of my chequered web would not have been complete 
without these two red stripes. This I shall see when it is out 
of the loom.' So it is with all the stripes in your chequered 
web, my dear child. You will not tell me when it is out that 
it was an ill-chosen pattern. It is just as good and as hand- 
some now as it will be then, could you but see it as plain.' 
The Redeemer was thus to his mind constantly in view, as 
the Surety, the Guide, and sovereign Lord of all his people ; 
and he held his life and all his comforts and all his posses- 
sions as not his own ; and he recommended it to his friends, 
often to renew this gift and consecration of all things to 
Christ. This sentiment he carried with him to the very end 
of his journey. In the introductory part of his last will and 
testament, he has this impressive sentence : ' I have not my 
soul and body to dispose of — they have with my most cheerful 
and resolute determination been dedicated to the Lord Jesus 
Christ, more than sixty-four years, and he has already taken 
a tender, faithful, gracious care of them, and will at last dis- 
pose of them to the glory of God the Father, Son and Holy 
Ghost, the only living and true God. All my dear relatives 
I do solemnly dedicate to Him, to be ruled, governed and 
saved from sin and wrath by his wisdom, power, righteousness 
and saving grace — and it is at the peril of each of them who 
neglect to confirm this dedication.' The same feeling, that 
believers were Christ's and Christ their's, induced him, whose 
prayers were in general any thing but sameness or formality, 
to conclude his supplications often with the petition, ' Under- 
take for us, Lord Jesus, in all the concerns of thy glory' — 



404 A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF 

thus recognizing, as it existed in his own mind, the principle 
that he is the great undertaker and perfect surety of all his 
ransomed ones. So after preaching in reference to the word 
spoken, he would say, ' Lord accept what is thine and pardon 
what is ours.' 

" The character of Mr. Patterson's religion, and the warmth 
and vigor of his social feelings, were such as to make grati- 
tude, contentment, cheerfulness, and affection, among the 
most noticeable of his Christian virtues. His private letters 
to Mrs. P., and his missionary journals, are full of expressions 
of obligation to God, and satisfaction and delight at the 
thought that the Lord Jesus was doing with him and his just 
as he pleased. He took great pleasure in social intercourse ; 
and his easy, polished manners, his great accessibility, and 
his inexhaustible fund of striking observations and useful 
anecdotes, made him a most agreeable companion to almost 
every description of persons. To the strength of the social 
principle of our nature, which he possessed in a large measure, 
and which made the kindness, and tenderness, and sympathy, 
which it was his lot to experience, in union with strong religious 
affections, to produce so much tranquillity and cheerfulness, 
may be ascribed, in part at least, his great longevity, and the 
unimpaired vigor of most of his faculties. Like the peaceful 
surface of the lake, when the evening rays of a summer sun 
repose upon its quiet bosom, his mind was resting in sweet 
tranquillity on the covenant of God, and in the enjoyment of 
the cheering beams of the Sun of righteousness ; and no ex- 
ternal event could destroy its composure, because he felt and 
acted on the principle, that the whole plan of Providence, 
and every part of it, was, as he frequently said, infinitely 
desirable. As his was not a religion of sudden impulses, but 
of calm, deep, and uniform steadiness of action and of feeling, 
so there was nothing in it gloomy, forbidding, or unkind. 
The uniform smile of friendship which abode upon his coun- 
tenance — the solemn air with which he reproved sin, even in 
his dearest friends — and the kind and cordial greeting with 



THE REV. JOSEPH PATTERSOISr. - 405 

which he met those he loved, were all the sincere and simple 
utterances of a heart that knew no disguise, and suppressed 
no generous emotion. As he seemed uniformly to possess an 
assured evidence of his union to Christ, and as, wherever he 
went, he saw those who respected and loved him, it was no 
labor, but his element, to glorify his Redeemer, by promoting 
the welfare of mankind. Thus, deriving enjoyment from all 
his engagements — blessed in all his domestic relations, and 
keeping himself acquainted with the state of the world, to 
be cheered by the prospects of Zion, he appeared, for years 
past, to move among us as the happiest person in society. 
One reason for this doubtless was, that he was accustomed 
through life to gather the materials of gratitude and praise 
from a constant reference to the blessings he enjoyed. 

" Thus, when on his tour among the Indians, he writes in 
his journal ; * I now felt myself beyond the verge of the Chris- 
tian world, the precious privileges of which appeared great 
beyond all calculation. I would not have been without this 
salutary, solemn opportunity, for all the difficulties of my 
journey, and all the disagreeable prospects before me.' On 
meeting with some white persons who had been early taken 
off by the Indians, and, banished from the Christian world, 
had become heathens, he exclaims : * 0, why was not this the 
lot of my children, who were brought up on a dangerous fron- 
tier ! While others were taken within a few miles, they were 
left. Bless the Lord, my soul !' His letters also abound 
much in exhortations to his friends, not to indulge in de- 
sponding fears and mistrusts of Providence, but consider more 
what they already have — what they deserve, and learn to 
think well of Christ, and freely trust him for what they need. 
Here was the secret of his contentment and his happiness ; 
and how much does the Lord of grace and providence delight 
to honor such a spirit of meek and affectionate acquiescence 
in all his dispensations. 

"5. The instructive character of this departed man of 
God, illustrates the importance of a strict and conscientious 



406 A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF 

attention to all the duties of religion, as they bear upon the 
powerful influence of example. "When men are esteemed and 
venerated for their general uprightness, their smallest omis- 
sions, as well as their errors, do injury. While, in the present 
instance, no man's example could have been looked upon with 
more universal respect — none, in its main features, could have 
been expected to be more exactly and truly drawn. During 
upwards of twelve years, in which the writer has intimately 
observed his ' manner of life,' in respect to the Sabbath and 
the sanctuary, he has often been surprised at the uniformity 
and constancy, at all seasons and in all weathers, with which 
this aged father in Israel has occupied his seat in the house 
of God — the manifest glow of holy feeling with which he 
came, and the simplicity and affection with which he heard 
' the Word,' from the lips of his younger and less experienced 
brethren. 

" To behold one who, if any, might have made his own do- 
mestic meditations to have supplied the place of the ablest 
preaching, on the verge of fourscore years, thus statedly 
coming up to the house of prayer, when hundreds of the young 
and healthful would consider an unpleasant day, or a slight 
indisposition, as a sufficient excuse for neglect, was truly 
instructive. 

"It was delightful to see, also, when he listened to the 
ministrations of strangers, and particularly young men, and 
saw in the spirit, fervor, and evangelical character of their 
performances what he approved, with what affection he would 
greet them, and interest himself in their welfare, and with 
a judicious precaution, simply say, by way of encouragement, 
' I am willing to license you to be a preacher of the glorious 
gospel of Christ.' When he saw defects in matter, or faults 
in manner, which he was apprehensive might be injurious, he 
would be seen kindly taking his young brother aside, to men- 
tion them in private ; and it was always done in a way to 
secure increased respect and affection for him. As in his 
attention to public worship, so in all other things, he was a 



THE REV. JOSEPH PATTERSON. 40T 

strict observer of the Sabbath, and all the Sabbath ; rising 
earlier on that than other days, and truly making it a season 
of rest and refreshing from the presence of the Lord. When 
meetings for social prayer were held at the rising of the sun, 
on these and other days, he was among the earliest to resort 
to these places of supplication. 

We might also speak of his exemplary character in all 
the relations of husband, father, friend, and pastor — of his 
singular conscientiousness — his Christian hospitality at home, 
in which he greatly excelled, and his habitually profitable 
conversation abroad — of his soundness in the faith — his con- 
scientious adherence to the standards of the Presbyterian 
Church — his deep-felt interest in the • affairs of the church, 
and the intense feeling with which he looked forward from 
the borders of the tomb upon the promised spread and coming 
glory of Messiah's kingdom on earth — but time will not 
allow us to dwell upon these and other subjects which be- 
long to the character and history of this eminent disciple of 
Christ. S." 

The following anecdotes, some of which we have derived, 
in whole or in part, from the "Patterson Family Record," by 
William Ewing Dubois, Esq., and others we have gathered 
from various authentic sources, will serve to illustrate the 
character of Mr. Patterson, and will, perhaps, be read by 
many with interest. We would premise that the list might 
be enlarged to fill a volume. We select some of the best : — 

" Some time after his removal to the West, he and some 
others made a purchase of land and paid the money. It was 
soon discovered that the seller was not the owner, and conse- 
quently, that the title was worthless and the money lost. 
How much Mr. Patterson's investment amounted to is not 
known, nor is it material to the story ; only that it was a 
greater loss than he could well bear. The other purchasers 
had recourse to law, and advised him also to ' employ counsel.' 
* I have heard in the Bible of a Wonderful Counsellor,' was 



408 A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF 

the quaint reply, 'and my application shall be to him.' He 
thereupon made it a matter of repeated and earnest prayer ; 
not, we presume, for a specific restitution of the money ; 
which no intelligent Christian could do, in absolute terms, but 
that by some Providential interposition, this serious loss might 
be made up to him, or that he might be duly reconciled to it, 
and eventually none the worse for it. The prospect of a spe- 
cific answer was small ; for M'Clure, the man who obtained 
the money, had absconded, both from the neighborhood and 
from his family. But as Mr. Patterson was passing near 
M'Clure's house, not long after, a child, running up to him, 
begged him to come in. As he did so, the wife handed him 
the identical bag, with the identical dollars, and explained to 
him the strange action in such words as these : ' When my 
husband went away, he charged me to give this money back 
to you ; for, said he, I am afraid the man will pray me to 
death if I don't return him his money.' Thus his suit was 
gained; the others, it is said, never got anything." 

Another incident, more minute, and therefore more to the 
point, we take from one of his letters. The poor student of 
divinity, whose course of study must have lessened his ability 
to provide a living, regarded with mortification the napless, 
worn-out hat, not fit to appear in at Presbytery. But if it 
was of sufiicient importance to give him concern, he held that 
it was a fit subject for prayer ; and so he writes to his absent 
wife as follows : — 

" In retirement for special prayer yesterday, the Lord let 
me talk familiarly with him about many things ; particularly 
about a hat ; and he made me willing to go to Presbytery 
with my old one. I came away with a pleasant hope, and 
well pleased with all his government ; and this day there was 
one bought for a guinea and sent to me, a present by A. S." 

The distribution of the Bible along the landings of Pitts- 
burg was of course attended with some expense; and as his 
own means were always moderate, he was obliged to make 
collections to defray the charges. In such a cause, he felt 



THE REV. JOSEPH PATTERSON. 409 

as if he had a claim upon any citizen who had a spare dollar. 
In one of these collecting rounds, he was met by an acquaint- 
ance. "Well, Father Patterson, what errand are you on 
to-day ?" — " I am going to the man that keeps store over there, 
to get a dollar for my Bible distribution." — " Why certainly 
you will not go to such a man as that — an open infidel and a 
scoffer. You will not get a cent from him." — " Yes I will ; 
I '11 get a dollar. Come and see," They walked into the 
store. The old gentleman was not welcome from the first ; 
but upon opening his request, he was treated with positive 
scorn. The indignant man behind the counter would give 
nothing for any such purpose. " Do you say you wont ?" — " I 
say I won't." — " Well, I'll go home with my subscription-book, 
and lay it before the Lord, and tell him that Mr. abso- 
lutely refused to give anything towards the distribution of the 
Bible." There was a solemnity and reality in this rejoinder 
which seemed to frighten the man, unbeliever as he was. 
Opening the money-drawer, he threw out a piece, saying, with 
a subdued voice, " Here, take your dollar." 

His prudence in his mode of reproving sin was a promi- 
nent feature. At a house-raising, a man, somewhat intoxi- 
cated and very profane, said he would inflict personal insult 
on old Patterson if he attempted to rebuke him. Mr. Pat- 
terson, who was not aware of his threat, took the man aside 
upon his giving fresh vent to his profanity, and affectionately 
remonstrated with him, and begged him to desist from swear- 
ing. The swearer was completely disarmed, and was melted 
down. He afterwards became, as Mr. Patterson testified, one 
of the most pious members of his congregation. 

He was once saluted, as he descended from the pulpit, by 
a gentleman of his own name, after this manner: "Mr. Pat- 
terson, you and I must be relations ; for all my ancestors by 
the Patterson side were naturally a religious people." — "We 
can't be at all related, then," said Mr. Patterson, " for my 
ancestors were all naturally an irreligious race." 

A man who expressed to Mr. Patterson his dissatisfaction 



410 THE REV. JOSEPH PATTERSON. 

with the view which had been given of the utter helplessness 
of the sinner in his unconverted state, being asked if he 
thought he could get religion whenever he pleased, expressed 
no doubt of it. Upon which, Mr. Patterson, after endeavor- 
ing to show him his dreadful guilt in neglecting or deferring 
that all-important matter, begged him, as a special favor, that 
he would set about the matter at once in his own way. He 
promised he would. Not long after, he came to Mr. Patter- 
son in great distress and despondency, related the result of 
his promised efforts, and expressed the conviction that it was 
all over with him ; that he was absolutely lost, and that he 
was now satisfied his case was hopeless. Mr. Patterson told 
him that he anticipated just such a result of his own efforts 
to get religion, and proceeded to lay open to the self-despair- 
ing sinner God's plan of saving sinners, and was instrumental 
in leading him to the footstool of sovereign grace. He soon 
became a joyful believer, and thenceforward a devoted, con- 
sistent professor of religion. 

On Friday, before he died, he took the final sitting for 
his portrait. The artist had been expressing his purpose to 
visit the celebrated Sully, the great American painter, with 
a view to receive instructions for his own improvement. As 
Mr. Patterson rose from the chair, after looking for a while 
at his own picture, he turned to the artist, and taking him by 
the hand, he said to him, with great solemnity and affection, 
" I can recommend to you another great painter. Do you get 
the Holy Ghost to draw the image of Christ upon your heart, 
and it will last for ever. And he will charge you nothing for 
it !" The painter, who was of infidel sentiments, probably 
despised the counsel, and might soon have forgotten it, but 
from his hearing, a few days after, to his great surprise, of 
Mr. Patterson's death. He then related this remark of Mr. 
Patterson. He subsequently abandoned his infidel senti- 
ments, and made a profession of religion. 

A pious man, overtaking Mr. Patterson on his way to the 
church, when they were both compelled, from the icy state 



HISTORY OF SHORT CREEK CONGREGATION. 411 

of the sidewalks, to take the middle of the street, asked Mr. 
Patterson to explain the passage " The path of the just is as 
the shining light," &c. ; perhaps suggested by the state of 
their walking. Mr. Patterson proceeded to give his views, 
which occupied him till they reached the door of the church. 
He was only a hearer himself that day ; but he was requested 
to preach the following Sabbath, probably in the absence of 
the pastor. And he did preach, and from those words above 
stated, to the great satisfaction of his friend and many others. 
It was his last sermon — but a few weeks before he died. And 
he himself was a bright illustration of the truth of the text ! 

TWENTY-EIGHTH MEETING. 

SHORT CREEK, (40) Tuesday, April 20th, 1790.— Pres- 
bytery met, &c. The Presbytery was opened with the lecture 

(40) Short Creek. — This congregation, which received its name from 
the creek which passed through a part of its territory, extended origi- 
nally, like all the early churches, over a considerable space of country. 
It seems to have been gathered some years before, and was early one 
of the places to which supplies were sent. It was partly included in 
the wide, indefinite field of Mr. Smith's labors. In the bounds of this 
congregation the seat of justice was fixed, in 1776 — at Black's Cabin, 
on the waters of Short Creek. On Monday, January IGth, 1777, the 
first Court for the County of Ohio was held at this place. " There is 
every reason to believe that this was the first civil Court held in the 
Valley of the Mississippi," On the 7th day of April, the Court or- 
dered a court-house and jail to be erected. The first attorneys admitted 
to practice in the Court were Philip Pendleton and George Brent, on 
the 2d of November, 1778. Mr. Pendleton was appointed Common- 
wealth's attorney. 

West Liberty, in Ohio County, (which afterwards became the name 
of the congregation,) was incorporated November 29th, 1786, The Or- 
der Book of Ohio County Court contains the following entry, under date 
of June 6th, 1780: 

" Ordered, that the ordinary keepers in this County sell at the follow- 
ing rates — for half pint of whiskey, $6 ; breakfast or supper, $4 ; din- 
ner, $6 , lodging, with clean sheets, $3 ; one horse to lay over night, 
$3 ; one gallon of corn, $5 ; one gallon of oats, $4 ; half pint of whis- 
key, with sugar, $8 ; a quart of beer, $4, October 2d, 1780, the Court 



412 ACTION OF PRESBYTERY ABOUT MR. BARR. 

and sermon of Mr. Marshall — previously assigned — which 
were sustained. Three calls to Mr. Samuel Porter — from 
Dunlap's Creek and George's Creek, and from Poke Run 
and Congruity, and from Long Run and Sewicklj — all put 
into his hands for consideration. 

Mr. M'Pherrin declared his acceptance of the call, from 
Unity and Salem congregations ; and Mr. Porter also, from 
Poke Run and Congruity — returning the other calls — upon 
which the Committee from those congregations applied for 
supplies. A call for Mr. R. Finley — from Mill's Creek and 
King's Creek — ordered to be forwarded to him, and his 
answer required as soon as possible. Mr. James Hughes or- 
dained. Presbytery " did, by fasting and prayer, and with 
the imposition of hands, set him apart to the holy office of the 
gospel ministry." Mr. Smith preached on the occasion, on 
John iv. 36 ; and Mr. M'Millan presided, and gave the 
charge. Mr. Hughes now takes his seat as a member. 

Mr. Barr appeared before Presbytery, and produced an 
attested copy of the judgment of the Committee of Synod, 
whereby it appears that he is restored to the exercise of his 
ministerial office, and made an application for a dismission 
from this Presbytery, in order to join that of New Castle. 
The Presbytery, after deliberating on the matter, cannot see 
their way clear for giving him a dismission at this time. 1. 
Because they are not yet satisfied that all the charges which 
were proved against him, before this Presbytery, have been 
disproved. 2. Because there is a complaint lodged against 

increased the price of strong heer to $6 per quart. March 6th, 1781 
dinners rated at $20, and breakfast and supper at $15. June 4th, 1781, 
whiskey was ordered to be sold at $8 50 per pint. All this was, of 
course, in continental money. — American Pioneer, vol. 2, p. 378. 

The Rev. James Hughes, their first pastor, labored here with great 
usefulness and success, till June 29th, 1814. The congregation re- 
mained vacant till 1828, when the Rev. William Wylie became stated 
supply. The Rev. J. W. M'Kenna, December 9th, 1829, was ordained 
and installed the pastor. The Rev. N. Shotwell is the present pastor. 
Communicants, 70. 



MR. BRICE ORDAINED. 413 

him for disorderly conduct, by tlire'e of the Sessions of Pitts- 
burg congregation, which has not yet been examined into. 3. 
Because we have good reason to believe that he continued to 
preach while under suspension, and before the Committee re- 
versed the judgment. 

John Barret asked for a reconsideration of his case, at next 
meeting, (a reference formerly brought in, from Session of 
Pittsburg congregation, in which he is concerned.) It was 
granted, and Mr. Clark ordered to furnish him with such 
papers as he shall think necessary for the trial and citation 
of witnesses. 

Mr. Porter to prepare a discourse on EphesianS vi. 17 ; 
and Mr. M'Pherrin, on Psalms Ixxi. 16 — by our next meet- 
ing, preparatory to ordination. Adjourned to meet at Three 
Ridges, at 1 o'clock P. M. Concluded with prayer. 

TWENTY-EIGHTH MEETING. 

THREE RIDGES, 1 o'clock, P. M.— Presbytery met, 
&c. The Presbytery proceeded to ordain Mr. John Brice, 
and " did, by fasting and prayer," &c. Mr. Dod preached, 
on the occasion, from Galatians vii. 10. Mr. M'Millan pre- 
sided, and Mr. James Finley gave the charge. Mr. B. now 
takes his seat, &c. 

The Presbytery find that the order of the Synod for raising 
contributions for the support of missionaries to vacant con- 
gregations, has been, in part, attended to, and order that 
those who have not complied with it, do it, and pay the money 
raised to Mr. M'Millan, who is appointed Treasurer, and re- 
port the same at our next meeting. 

Mr. Power and John Wright to attend next General As- 
sembly, as Commissioners from this Presbytery. 

Presbytery agree that Mr. M' Pherrin and Mr. Porter be 
ordained — next meeting — if way clear. Mr. Dunlap to preach 
the ordination sermon — Mr. Dunlap to preside, and give the 
charge. 



414 A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF THE 

The Presbytery give leave to Pittsburg congregation to ap- 
ply to any other Presbytery, within the bounds of our church, 
for supplies. 

Messrs. John Hanna and George Hill (41) appeared before 
Presbytery, &c. (see the usual form, ante^ They were taken 
under the care of Presbytery — provided Mr. Hill give fuller 
satisfaction with regard to the subjects on which he has been 
conversed with — examined on Latin and Greek languages, 
and Mr. Hanna and Mr. Marshall on Hebrew — all sustained. 
Mr. Hill — an Exegesis — "Quid est discrim en inter foedera 
gratise et operum ?" Mr. Hanna — ditto — " In quo constat 
essentia fidei salvivicse?" — both by our next meeting. 

" The Presbytery having received sufficient testimonials," 
&c., (see form of license,) Mr. Robert Marshall was licensed. 

The Presbytery finding that the congregation of Buffalo 
have paid but a small part of their salary to Mr. Hughes, for 
the last year — order that notice be given that unless they 
pay up this salary before next meeting, Mr. H. will be under 
the necessity of removing from them. Adjourned to meet 
on third Tuesday of September, at James M'Kee's, in Con- 
gruity congregation. Concluded with prayer. 

(41) A Biographical Sketch of the Rev. George ^ 
Hill. — The Rev. George Hill was born in York County, 
Pennsylvania, March 13th, 1764. When about nineteen years 
of age, he removed, with his father and family, to Fayette 
County, and settled within the borders of the congregation of 
George's Creek. His literary studies were prosecuted chiefly, 
if not entirely, under the direction of the Rev. James Dunlap, 
pastor of Laurel Hill and Dunlap's Creek congregations. It 
is affirmed by some aged persons yet living, that he studied 
theology under the Rev. Jacob Jennings, which is, probably, 
correct.* He entered the Presbytery of Redstone, as a can- 

* It will be seen, by the minutes, that the Rev. Jacob Jennings sat 
as a corresponding member of Presbytery, in December, 1791, when 



THE REV. GEORGE HILL. 415 

didate for the ministry, April 23d, 1790, and was licensed 
December 22d, 1791, at the church of Bethel, in Indiana 
County, where the Rev. Joseph W. Henderson was afterwards 
settled. 

At the next spring meeting of the Presbytery, calls were 
presented for his pastoral labors from the united congrega- 
tions of Fairfield, Donegal and Wheatfield, and from Mill 
Creek and King's Creek. The former he accepted, and was 
ordained and installed their pastor on the 13th of November, 
1792. On the 11th of April, 1798, he resigned his charge 
of Wheatfield; and a new congregation, called Legonier, 
having been formed between Donegal and Fairfield, he con- 
tinued to labor in these three last named churches until the 
time of his death, which took place June 9th, 1822. 

Mr; Hill is reported to have been a faithful and laborious 
pastor, and to have exposed himself frequently to considerable 
danger in fulfilling his engagements on the Sabbath. Having 
to cross the Conemaugh, in going to one of his places of 
preaching, he has been known, in times of high water, to swim 
the river on horseback, preach in his wet clothes, recross the 
river, and return to his own house— a distance of ten miles — 
the same day. Such, however, was the vigor of his constitu- 
tion, that he suffered no injury from it. He was a man of 
great sensibility, exceedingly modest and humble in his de- 
portment. When duty required, however, that he should take 
decided ground, and appear in the defence of the truth, he 
showed himself to be equal to the crisis, and displayed much 
firmness of character, as well as acuteness of intellect. 

Although, during most of his life, he had enjoyed excellent 
health, in his last illness he suffered much. But in this ex- 
tremity, his Christian principles did not forsake him. To 
those around him he said, " I have learned, whatever is my 
Heavenly Father's will, therewith to be content." And 

Mr. Hill was licensed ; and that he (Jennings) had not been in the 
bounds of the Presbytery long before. The above supposition seems, 
therefore, to be a mistake. 



416 MESSES, m'pherrin and porter ordained. 

almost the last words which he spoke were, " I know In 
whom I have believed." * The Rev. George Hill, of the 
Presbytery of Blairsville, is his grandson. — Ap. Life of 3Ia- 
p. 257. 



TWENTY-NINTH MEETING. 

Tuesday, 21st of September, 1790. — The Presbytery met 
at James M'Kee's, &c. Discourses — appointed Messrs. Por- 
ter and M'Pherrin — sustained. 

Presbytery find their order for raising funds for missionary 
purposes, in part, complied with, and that the sum received 
is £22 14s. '6d. Ordered, that those who have not contributed, 
do it as soon as convenient. 

Rev. David Bard, lately a member of Carlisle Presbytery, 
being present and invited, sits as a correspondent. The Pres- 
bytery proceeded to ordain Messrs. M'Pherrin and Porter, 
and " did, by fasting and prayer, and with the imposition of 
the hands of the Presbytery," &c. Mr. Dunlap preached, on 
the occasion, from Romans i. 16. Mr. M'Millan presided, 
and Mr. J. Finley gave the charge. Mr. M'Pherrin and Mr. 
Porter now take their seats as members. 

The congregations of Pittsburg and Pittstownship request 
the Presbytery to grant them such supplies as they can, and 
to use their best endeavors, at the next meeting of Synod, to 
procure them such supplies as they shall find convenient. 

Mr. Hughes is ordered, by Presbytery, to inform the con- 
gregation of Bufialo that a compliance with the order of Pres- 
bytery, respecting a settlement, will be expected by the next 
meeting of Presbytery. Adjourned to meet at Roundhill, 
third Tuesday of October. Concluded with prayer. 

* He requested that the Kev. William Wylie, D.D., should be sent 
for, to preach at his funeral ; and suggested that the text should he 
Jeremiah xlix. 11, "Leave thy fatherless children — I will preserve 
them alive : and let thy vridows trust in me." Dr. Wylie accordingly 
attended and preached, and has testified to us, that it was one of the 
most solemn and affecting days he ever witnessed or spent. 



MR. barr's case. 417 

WINCHESTER, September 30th, 1790.— The Presbytery 
met pro re nata. Ubi post preces sederunt, the Rev. Messrs. 
Joseph Smith, John M'Millan, Thaddeus Dod, Robert Fin- 
ley, Joseph Patterson, John M'Pherrin, Samuel Porter, and 
Samuel Barr. 

The Synod having accepted the report of the Committee 
which met at Pitsburg, whereby it appears that Mr. Barr is 
restored to the full exercise of his ministry — and Mr. Barr 
having produced sufficient evidence to clear himself of the 
charge of disorderly conduct, exhibited against him by some 
members of the Session of Pittsburg, now makes application 
for a dismission from this Presbytery, in order to join the 
Presbytery of New Castle ; which was accordingly granted, 
and the Clerk is ordered to furnish him with suitable testi- 
monials. 

The Commissioners of Synod having represented to us that 
they had chosen Mr. R. Marshall as a missionary, provided 
the Presbytery would recommend him — the Presbytery con- 
curred therewith, and gave him such recommendations as 
were necessary. Adjourned to meet at time and place before 
appointed. Concluded with prayer. 

THIRTIETH MEETING. 

ROUNDHILL, Tuesday, 19th October, 1790.— The Pres- 
bytery met, &c. The Presbytery ordered a sermon from II. 
Cor. vi. 2, by Mr. R. Finley. 

The Presbytery continued their order to raise contributions 
for the support of missionaries under the care of the Synod 
of Virginia. 

The congregation of Lower Buffalo not having complied 
with the requisition of Presbytery, respecting salary — the 
Presbytery recommended to the congregations of Short Creek 
and Lower Buffalo to alter their first plan, and enjoy Mr. 
Hughes' labors according to their strength. 
27 



418 MR. JOHN BARNET'S CASE. 

The Presbytery proceeded to consider the reference re- 
specting John Barnet, from Session of Lebanon congrega- 
tion; and having read the minutes of the Session relative 
thereto, and heard all that was further offered by the parties, 
agreed to defer the final determination thereof until to- 
morrow. 

The Presbytery proceeded to the consideration of the re- 
ference respecting John Barnet, and after mature delibera- 
tion, came to the following determination, viz. : That although 
the oath of Jane Miller appears to lay a ground of much sus- 
picion of immodest conduct and language in John Barnet — 
yet, as there are no circumstances to corroborate her evidence, 
and something in the acquittance she gave, that seems, in 
some measure, to weaken the force thereof — we are not clear 
peremptorily to judge him guilty, but must refer the matter 
to the judgment of the great day, and in the mean time ad- 
monish him to such circumspection in his conduct, as may 
tend to wipe away all grounds of suspicion respecting him. 
Ordered, that this judgment be publicly read in the congre- 
gation of Lebanon. 

The Presbytery proceeded to converse with Mr. Hill on the 
subjects referred to in the minutes of our last spring meeting, 
and received such satisfaction as induced them to take him on 
further trials. His Exegesis — sustained. Mr. Hanna not 
sufficiently prepared — to have the same subject for an Exe- 
gesis formerly assigned him, and a Homily on Romans vii. 
9 — by our next meeting. Adjourned to meet at Rehoboth, 
last Tuesday of December. Concluded with prayer. 

THIRTY-FIRST MEETING. 

REHOBOTH, December 28th, 1790.— Presbytery met, 
&c. The Presbytery ordered a sermon from John vii. 37 — 
by Mr. Porter. Mr. Hanna — Exegesis and Homily — read 
— not determined concerning them till further examination 
on Divinity. Mr. Hill a Homily — sustained. 



SOME ACCOUNT OF MR. HANNA. 419 

Presbytery examined Mr. Hanna, at some length, on Di- 
vinity; and after maturely deliberating on the matter, and 
prayer to God for direction, from all the light which they 
could obtain, notwithstanding they felt tenderly for Mr. 
Hanna, (42) and could not but entertain favorable hopes of 
his piety — yet, taking into consideration his natural inca- 
pacity, -his small acquaintance with Divinity, after so long a 
time spent in study, and the small prospect of his ever taking 
that pains which is necessary, in order to obtain a competent 
acquaintance with it — the Presbytery were unanimously of 
opinion that it was not their duty to encourage him to pro- 
ceed any further on trials, with a prospect of being licensed 
to preach the gospel. Adjourned to meet at Dunlap's Creek, 
third Tuesday of April. Concluded with prayer. 

(42) Mk. Hanna having been thus dismissed, went to New Jersey, 
and united himself with the Morris County Presbytery — a small, inde- 
pendent body, the memory of which is pj-incipally preserved by the fact 
that the father of the late Rev. Dr. Ashbel Green was a leading man in 
that connection. Mr, Hanna was by them licensed and ordained, and 
is said to have labored with acceptance and usefulness among them till 
his death. The Morris County Presbyterians resembled, in some re- 
spects, the modern Cumberland Presbyterians — in their laxity as to 
the literary and theological training of their candidates for the minis- 
try — but were not, we believe, semi- Armenians in their theology. 
There were several pious, zealous, and useful men among them. 
The Rev. Thaddeus Dod, who was personally acquainted with some of 
their ministers, and many of their people, was once written to by Mr. 
Bradford, respecting some one of their body coming out to labor in the 
West. Mr. Dod, no doubt deprecating the introduction of that sort of 
Presbyterianism into this region, wrote to his friend a statement of the 
character of the Western field — stating that it was new and very rough 
ground, and required sturdy, strong oxen to break it up; and that he 
doubted whether two years^ olds would suit for the work. This seems 
to have put an end to any further thoufhts of sending their missionaries 
into this quarter. 

Since the above was written, we have learned, from the Rev. Dr. 
William Wylie, that Mr. Hanna died a most peaceful, happy death, at 
the house of Mr. Allen, near the Horse-shoe-bottom settlement, Wash- 
ington County, being on his way out, on a visit to his brother. 



420 MR. m'gready dismissed. 



THIRTY-SECOND MEETING. 

DUNLAP'S CREEK, April 19th, 1791.— Presbytery met, 
&c. — The Presbytery ordered a sermon from II. Samuel 
xxiii. 5 — by Mr. Power. 

Supplies appointed at nearly all the places heretofore men- 
tioned, and all the ministers two Sabbaths each — and an un- 
usual number of communions appointed. 

Messrs. Finley, Dunlap, Power and M'Pherrin, or any two 
of them — a committee for examining and making appoint- 
ments for ministers and probationers as may come into the 
bounds. 

Mr. James M'Gready being detained by sickness in the 
bounds of the Orange Presbytery, applied by letter for a dis- 
mission to that Presbytery. The Presbytery ordered the 
Clerk to send him a dismission, and a letter of advice upon 
the occasion. 

The Presbytery agreed that a letter respecting the affair of 
Mr. M'Gready's dismission be sent to the Moderator of the 
Presbytery of Orange. 

The Presbytery find, upon inquiry, that the several con- 
gregations are satisfied with the care and diligence of their 
respective pastors. 

Mr. William Swan (43) " having offered himself to be taken 
under the care," &c., (the usual minute in such cases,) was 
taken on trial. Mr. Hill and Mr. Swan — examined at some 
length, on Divinity — sustained. Mr. Hill to prepare a 
Presbyterial Exercise on John xv. 5 — by next meeting. Mr. 
Swan an Exegesis on "An gratia convertens sit irresistibilis ?" 
— and an Homily on Romans vi. 23 — by next meeting. 
Messrs. James Einley, John M'Millan and James Dunlap ap- 
pointed Commissioners to General Assembly. Adjourned to 
meet at Chartiers, the last Tuesday of June. Concluded with 
prayer. 



sketch of mr. swan. 421 

(48) Biographical Sketch of the Rev. William 
Swan. — The Rev. William Swan was a native of Cumber- 
land, now Franklin County, Pennsylvania ; and was educated 
at Canonsburg Academy. He was licensed to preach the 
gospel by the Presbytery of Redstone on the same day with 
the Rev. George Hill, Dec. 22d, 1791. His labors were 
much in demand, as appears from the fact that at a meeting 
of his Presbytery, October 16th, 1792, he had calls presented 
to him from the congregations of Mingo Creek and Horse- 
shoe Bottom, Bethel and Ebenezer, on Blacklick, Long Run 
and Sewickly, and King's Creek and Mill Creek. The call 
from Long Run and Sewickly was finally accepted at a meet- 
ing of Presbytery held on the 7th of April, 1793 ; and on 
the 16th of October following, he was ordained and installed 
pastor of these united congregations. Here he labored for a 
period of twenty-five years. In the year 1804, and for some 
years afterwards, his congregations were visited with special 
outpourings of the spirit of God during the great revival, and 
considerable numbers were added to the church. On the 18th 
of October, 1818, he asked and obtained leave to resign the 
pastoral charge of his congregations. But in the spring fol- 
lowing, April 20th, 1819, he was recalled to Long Run, and 
having accepted the call, was installed again, during the sum- 
mer, as the pastor of that church. After laboring among 
this people for an additional period of three years, with de- 
clining health, the pastoral relation was dissolved finally, at 
his request, April 17th, 1822. His health continued to de- 
cline under the slow progress of pulmonary consumption ; and 
on the 27th of November, 1827, he fell asleep in Jesus in the 
63d year of his age. His last hours were peaceful and happy. 
Mr. Darby states that Mr. Swan succeeded James Ross, Esq., 
as teacher at Dr. M'Millan's "Log Cabin." 

Ap. to Life of Macurdy, p. 280. 

thirty-third meeting. 
CHARTIERS, Sunday, June 28, 1791.— Presbytery met 
according to adjournment. Presbytery was opened with a ser- 



422 EGBERT FINLEY DISMISSED. 

mon from Jer. vi., 4, by Mr. Marshall. Commissioners to Gene- 
ral Assembly fulfilled appointments. Mr. Swan — Exegesis — 
sustained. 

Mr. Robert Finley, having represented to Presbytery that 
probably he might be under the necessity of removing to 
Kentucky before their next meeting, therefore requested that 
a member might be appointed to furnish him with suitable 
credentials in case it should be necessary. The Presbytery 
granted his request, and appointed Mr. James Finley for this 
purpose. Mr. Hill — Presbyterial Exercise — sustained. Mr. 
Swan, examined on Latin and Greek languages — sustained. 
Mr. Swan — Homily — sustained. Mr. Hill and Mr. Swan — 
examined further on Divinity — sustained. Mr. Hill — to pre- 
pare a lecture on 11th Psalms. Mr. Swan — Presbyterial 
Exercise on I. Peter iii. 18, and lecture on 60th Psalms — all 
by next meeting. Adjourned to meet at Pigeon Creek, 3d 
Tuesday in October. Concluded with prayer. 

THIRTY-FOURTH MEETING. 

PIGEON CREEK, Tuesday, Oct. 18th, 1791. —Presby- 
tery met according to adjournment. Presbytery was opened 
by Messrs. Hill and Swan with discourses on subjects pre- 
viously assigned to them — sustained. 

Mr. M'Pherrin informed us by letter — detained by sick- 
ness. Treasurer reported that he had received from the fol- 
lowing congregations the following contributions for the sup- 
port of missionaries, viz. . — 

Mr. M'Millan's congregation, <£7 12s 6d ; Mr. Patterson's, 
M 3s 9d; Mr. M'Pherrin's, £6 8s; Mr. Hughes', £4 8s 6d; 
Mr. Clarke's, £1 Is 6d ; Mr. Power's, X2 12s ; Mr. Smith's, 
X17 7s; in all, <£43 15s Sd; for the payment of which in 
the hands of the commissioners of Synod, he produced their 
receipt. Mr. J. Finley, reported his attending to the duty 
assigned him, as to Mr. R. Finley. Upon motion, ordered 
that the ministers and probationers under our care keep a 
particular account of the sums received at the different places 
where they supply, and make report at our spring and fall 



SEMINARIES OF LEARNING. 423 

meetings ; and that vacancies be ordered to inform Presby- 
tery, at our next spring meeting, what places they had fallen 
upon for the discharge of supplies and promoting of religion 
among them. All the ministers were appointed to supply two 
Sabbaths. Their appointments were disposed over the places 
heretofore mentioned. 

Contributions for the support of missionaries enjoined upon 
those delinquent — to be in next meeting. The Presbytery, 
after conversing upon the recommendation of Synod respect- 
ing Baptism, deferred the further consideration of it till our 
next spring meeting. The Presbytery, after considering a 
recommendation of Synod respecting the institution of semi- 
naries of learning for the purpose of educating pious youth 
for the ministry, did approve thereof; which is as follows : — 

"As the supplying of churches with a pious and well-quali- 
fied ministry is of acknowledged importance — overtured, — 

" 1st. That the Synod of Virginia undertake the patronage 
of a seminary of learning for the purpose of educating young 
Vien for the gospel ministry. 

" 2d. That they devise means for supporting or assisting 
young men of piety and genius in procuring an education, 
who may not be possessed of sufficient property for the pur- 
pose. The Synod highly approve of the proposition con- 
tained in the overture, as they are well convinced of the ne- 
cessity of extending the opportunities of acquiring knowledge, 
and especially the knowledge of the doctrines of religion, to 
all who intend to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to the 
world. Taking this measure, therefore, into serious conside- 
ration, the Synod recommend that there be two general insti- 
tutions for learning, conducted under the patronage of this 
body ; one to be established in Rockbridge County, Virginia, 
under the cafe of the Rev. William Graham, as the Presi- 
dent ; the other in Washington County, Pennsylvania, under 
the care of the Rev. John M'Millan. The principles upon 
which these institutions are to be conducted are as follows : — 

" 1st. The learned languages and usual circle of sciences 



424 THE ACTION OF THE PRESBYTERY. 

shall be taught in them to as many as may be sent there for 
instruction. 

" 2d. During the course of academical education, and from 
the first initiation of the students into the seminaries, a course 
of religious instruction shall also be entered upon, and con- 
tinually adhered to during their residence there, according to 
the principles of our church. Books of a practical and doc- 
trinal nature, shall be put into their hands at once. Cate- 
chetical lectures shall be established and examinations entered 
into, upon their progress in this kind of knowledge, from time 
to time. The attention to these studies shall be kept up 
during the whole of their academical course, and suited to the 
capacities and progress of the youth. 

" 3d. The Presbyteries of Lexington and Hanover shall 
be the trustees of the seminary in Rockbridge, to cherish it 
by their influence and pointedly to attend the examinations 
of the students ; either in a collective capacity or by com- 
mittees from their respective bodies, duly appointed. The 
Presbytery of Redstone shall, in like manner, superintend 
the seminary in Washington County. 

" 4th. In one or other of these institutions, it is the advice 
of the Synod that all the youth within our bounds, who intend 
to engage in the ministry of the gospel, shall be instructed. 

" 5th. As there are a number of pious youth in our coun- 
try, who might be very serviceable in preaching the gospel, 
but through want of sufficient ability are unable to obtain an 
education, it is the intention and desire of Synod that the 
ministers in their respective Presbyteries shall seek out such, 
and that they, being examined and approved by the Presby- 
tery, shall be placed in the respective seminaries, at the ex- 
pense of the Presbytery who shall approve them. 

" 6th. In order to obtain the proper supplies for such indigent 
students the Presbyteries are exhorted to use their influence 
in their respective bounds with the pious and benevolent to 
make annual contributions for raising a fund for this purpose, 
this fund to be placed in the hands of treasurers appointed 



ADOPTING THE ACTION OP THE SYNOD. 425 

by the Synod, who are to return annual accounts of receipts 
and expenditures ; and from it the youth upon the foundation, 
are to draw their supplies, by an order from their respective 
presidents. And those youth, upon their obtaining their edu- 
cation, at the expiration of one year, after being settled in 
some line of business, shall begin to refund to the treasury 
the expenses of their education, in such time and manner as 
the Presbytery may direct. 

" 7th. The rules of these seminaries and the mode of educa- 
tion therein, shall be submitted to the Presbyteries for their 
respective approbation." 

The Presbytery, therefore, order their members to use their 
best endeavors to obtain contributions for the above purpose, 
and put them into the hands of Mr. M'Millan, who is appointed 
treasurer, as soon as possible ; and of their diligence herein, 
to render an account at our next Spring meeting. (44) 

(44) It will be found, by tracing the further history of this important 
movement, that the Presbytery, October 18th, 1792, "unanimously 
agreed to appoint Canonsburg to be the seat of that institution of learn- 
ing which they are appointed by Synod to superintend." And Novem- 
ber 14th, 1792, upon motion, it vras agreed to reconsider the propriety 
of appointing Canonsburg, as the seat, &c., at their nest Spring meet- 
ing. Then April 18th, 1793 — confirmed the former minute respecting 
Canonsburg Academy, with this addition — •" that if it should appear at 
a future day, most conducive to the good of the church, that another 
seminary of a like nature should be erected in our bounds, we will not 
oppose a division of the funds." These are all the notices until ^e 
Presbytery was divided. There are frequent notices in the minutes of 
the appointment of Committees to attend, along with the Presbytery of 
Ohio, upon the state of the Academy — the examination of the students 
of the Canonsburg Academy, down to December 26th, 1797 — also re- 
commendations to raise contributions for the Academy. Similar minutes 
are found in the Records of the Presbytery of Ohio at their sessions of 
October, 1793— April, 1794— October 1794, and so on, till April, 1797. 
From both Records, all further notice, either about examinations or 
about raising funds, disappear— and no reason whatever is given. At 
the meeting of the Presbytery of Redstone, April, 1798, Dr. M'Millan 
was present as a corresponding member; yet nothing was said or 
done about further contributions, or about appointing an examining 



426 FURTHER HISTORY OF THE SCHOOL. 

Agreeably to a recommendation of Synod, respecting the 
religious observation of the Lord's day — ordered that each 
minister of this Presbytery shall read this recommendation in 
their respective congregations, and engage spiritedly in com- 
plying with the same. Mr. Swan — a Presbyterial exercise — 
sustained. 

Mr. Hill and Mr. Swan, examined upon Natural and 
Moral Philosophy — sustained. 

committee. In like manner, the records of the Presbytery of Ohio are 
silent. "Why was this ? What now becomes of an institution entrusted 
to their superintendence, by their Synod ? And up to this time, from 
1793, what superintendence or control had they over it? It appears 
that all they were permitted to do was to attend the examinations — not 
to act as trustees — or to appoint or even nominate, either any of the 
Board, or any of the Faculty. They had no part whatever as Presby- 
teries, in the government or management of this Academy. They were 
asked however, for a few years, to urge their people to contribute to its 
support. And this they did at almost every successive meeting ; some- 
times three times a year. But after the year 1797, they drop from their 
minutes all further notice of this Academy at Canonsburg. Does the 
following extract from Dr. Brown's Life of Dr. M'Millan throw any 
light on this point ? " In 1798, (Dr. Brown has it 1794, evidently a 
mistake,) there was an amendment to the constitution effecting impor- 
tant changes. The Trustees were no longer elected annually, but for 
life ; and when vacancies occurred by death or otherwise, the corporate 
Trustees elected others to supply the vacancy." It, in other words, 
now became a close corporation. Though the Presbyterians of Red- 
stone and Ohio had not previously such a superintendence as was mani- 
fe^y contemplated in the action of the Synod, (when the Synod said, 
after appointing the Presbyteries of Lexington and Hanover Trustees 
of the Rockbridge Academy^that the Presbytery of Redstone, and 
afterwards, we suppose, of Ohio, shall, in like manner, superintend the 
institution in Washington County) ; yet up to this time, they were on 
the whole satisfied with the arrangement of attending, in a body, or by 
committees upon the examination of the students. Perhaps the propor- 
tion of Presbyterians in the board at that time, and afterwards when 
the Academy in 1802, was merged into Jefferson College, satisfied 
them that any further attention to the examinations was superfluous 
and unnecessary. Both Presbyteries afterwards, more than once, com- 
mended the Institution to the pecuniary aid of their people, even so 
late as 1806. 



THE EEV. JACOB JENNINGS. 427 

Mr. Hill — to prepare a popular sermon on Matthew xxviii. 
20, and Mr. Swan — I. Timothy i. 15, both by our next meet- 
ing. Adjourned to meet at Bethel, on the third Tuesday of 
December next. • Concluded with prayer. 

i THIRTY-FIFTH MEETING. 

BETHEL, Tuesday, December 20th, 1791. Presbytery 
met, &c. The Presbytery opened with a sermon on the sub- 
ject assigned at our last meeting — by Mr. Swan — sustained. 

The Rev. Jacob Jennings, (45) of the Low Dutch Church, 
being present and invited, sat as a correspondent. Agreeably to 
order, minutes of the late meeting, except in regard to supplies, 
were read. Mr. Bruce's reasons — sustained. " Mr. David 
Smith, having offered himself to be taken," &c., (see former 
minutes,) taken on trials. 

Mr. Hill — discourse on subject appointed — sustained. J. 
M. Bruce, elder, came, reasons — sustained. The Rev. 
Thomas Cooly, late a member of the Presbytery of Charleston, 
appeared before us, and produced a dismission and testimonials 
from said Presbytery, together with testimonials from a num- 
ber of dissenting ministers in England, and desired to be 
received as a member with us. The Presbytery, after 
maturely deliberating upon the matter, could not see their 
way clear, to receive him upon his credentials from that 
Presbytery, as it is a Presbytery unknown to us, and not in 
subordination to the General Assembly: but proceeded to 
converse with him as a minister from foreign parts, agreeably 
to the direction of the General Synod in such cases, and 
obtained such satisfaction as induced them to employ him 
in their vacancies, until the next meeting of Synod ; yet they 
expect that he will before the next meeting of Synod, produce 
some letters of recommendation from some ministers in South 
Carolina known to them. 

Mr. David Smith — examined on learned languages and 
Divinity — sustained. Also Mr. Hill and Mr. Swan on 
Divinity — sustained. 



428 INDIAN DEPREDATIONS. 

" The Presbytery, having received sufficient testimonials," 
&c. (see form of license,) Messrs. Hill and Swan licensed to 
preach the gospel. Mr. Jennings having expressed a desire 
to continue some time in our bounds — was appointed to supply 
at Dunlap's Creek and Muddy Creek, as much as convenient, 
between this, and next meeting of Presbytery. Mr. Cooly 
— to supply at discretion, particularly in Harrison County. 
The third Tuesday in January next, was appointed to be 
observed as a day of fasting and prayer, particularly on 
account of the situation of our country, with respect to the 
savages. (46) 

(46) After General Harmar's defeat, in 1790, the Indians began afresh 
their depredations on the Western frontiers. The settlers, especially 
those -wholly unprotected, were left exposed to fall a helpless prey to 
the merciless savages, who exercised the most cruel tortures upon a 
large number of their victims. The heavy disasters that befel Harmar's 
army, seemed to inspire the Indians vrith the hope of ultimately extir- 
pating the infant settlements on the Ohio. Victory seemed to perch 
upon their blood-stained banner, under vrhich they rallied to spread 
destruction over the unprotected portions of the West. And novf still 
more the disastrous defeat of the arms of the United States, in the 
battle of the unfortunate St. Clair, with the Indians, on the 4th of 
November, 1791, about a month and a half before this meeting of the 
Redstone Presbytery — spread anxiety and alarm amongst our people, 
especially towards the Ohio. 

[" Of those who do most impressively remember that defeat and the 
terror excited over the whole frontier region, by that fearful report ; I 
am one who heard the report in its first echo. A part of the army was 
composed of drafted men from the Western settlements, and not a few 
of them perished in that sanguinary affair. I was then living with my 
parents in the vicinity, and five miles eastward of Washington, Penn- 
sylvania, and then in my twentieth year." — William Darby, Esq., in 
the National Intelligencer of November 8th, 1851.] 

During that year, there were numbers killed and taken prisoners, of 
the settlers near Pittsburg. " Several persons," says Major Craig, in a 
letter to General Knox, March 31st, 1791 — " within a few miles of this 
place, have fallen victims to the revenge of those Indians who escaped 
on Beaver Creek." — (History of Pittsburg, 211.) A day of fasting and 
prayer was doubtless very proper at that time. It is remarkable bow 
long the " Canaanite was still in the land," and permitted to be a thorn 



BIOGRAPHY OF REV. JACOB JENNINGS. 429 

Mr. David Smith — to prepare an Exegesis — " Quomodo 
miracula probant Scripturas sacras esse divinas " — and a 
Homilj on Rom. viii. 5 — by our next meeting. Adjourned to 
meet at Roundhill the 3d Tuesday in April. Concluded with 
prayer. 

(45) BiOGHAPHicAL Sketch of the Rev. Jacob Jennings. 
— " The Rev. Jacob Jennings was born in Somerset County, 
New Jersey, in the year 1744. He was a descendant of one 
of the pilgrims who settled at Plymouth, Massachusetts. 
Of the place of his education we are not informed. He early 
studied medicine and commenced its practice in a small 
village, near Elizabethtown, New Jersey. After some time 
he removed thence to Readington township, Huntingdon 
County, where he continued in the practice of his profession, 
with considerable reputation, for many years. When he was 
about forty years of age, and after he had been a medical 
px'actitioner for upwards of twenty, he turned his attention 
to Theology and was licensed to preach the gospel. From 
the fact that when he first came to Western Pennsylvania, he 
was a member of the Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church 
of New York and New Jersey, the presumption is that he was 
licensed in that connection. He came to Pennsylvania about 
the year 1791 ; as in December of that year, he sat as a cor- 
responding member of the Presbytery of Redstone ; and was 
received to full membership by that body on the 17th of 
April, 1792. For several years previous to his arrival in 
Pennsylvania, he had resided in Virginia, to which State he 
had removed soon after his licensure. He accepted a call 
from the congregation of Dunlap's Creek, in Fayette County, 

in the side of our people — now more than ten years after the Presbytery 
was organized. " A large portion of the killed were, of course, militia. 
Both Kentucky and Western Pennsylvania were filled with mourning. 
The Indians, elated with success, renewed their attacks on the frontier 
with increased force and ferocity. Meetings were called to devise means 
for defending the settlements." — American Pioneer, Vol. IL, p. 215. 



430 PAST DAY APPOINTED. 

Pennsylvania, and continued pastor of said chuvcli until June, 
1811, when, on account of his increased infirmities, he asked 
and obtained a dissolution of the pastoral relation. He died, 
February 17th, 1813. He was father of the Rev. Obadlah 
Jennings, D. D., late of Nashville, Tennessee — and of the 
Rev. Samuel K. Jennings, M. D., a highly respectable minister 
in the Metohdist Protestant Church, and for some time a 
Professor In the Washington Medical college, of Baltimore. 
Two of his grandsons also are ministers — the Rev. Samuel 
C. Jennings, of the Presbytery of Ohio, and the Rev. Jacob 
Jennings, son of the Rev. Samuel K. Jennings above men- 
tioned — who is a minister in the same ecclesiastical connection 
with his father." — Appendix to Life of Macurdy. 

THIRTY-SIXTH MEETING. 

ROUNDHILL, Tuesday, April 17th, 1792.— The Presby- 
tery met according to adjournment. Presbytery opened with 
a sermon from II. Cor. xii. 9, by the Rev. Thomas Cooly. The 
Rev. Jacob Jennings, formerly a member of the Reformed 
Dutch Church of New York and New Jersey, applied to be 
received as a member of this Presbytery ; and upon producing 
sufficient testimonials of his regular licensure and ordination 
by the Synod of said church, together with other certificates 
of his good moral and Christian character for many years 
past, was accordingly received, and took his seat as a member. 
A call from the united congregations of Dunlap's Creek and 
Muddy Creek to Mr. Jennings, delivered to him for his con- 
sideration. Two calls from Fairfield, Donegal, and Wheat- 
field, and from Middle and King's Creeks, to Mr. Hill — deli- 
vered to him for his consideration. 

The appointment respecting the fast-day has been complied 
with. (Supplies, by all the ministers two Sabbaths each, with 
few exceptions ; and by Mr. Clark, four Sabbaths ; by Mr. 
Swan, several months ; all spread over the vast field of vacan- 
cies.) Mr. Jennings accepted the call from Dunlap's Creek 
and Muddy Creek, and appointed to supply at George's Creek 
and Sandy Creek. 



PERIODICAL BAPTISM. 431 

The Presbytery found, on enquiry, that several of the mem- 
bers had done something considerable for the education of 
poor and pious youth, according to an order at our last meet- 
ing, and further order that the respective members go on to 
attend to this matter, and report what progress they have 
made therein at our next meeting. 

The Presbytery, taking into their serious consideration the 
recommendation of Synod respecting periodical baptism, can- 
not see suflScient ground, from Scripture authority, for their 
compliance therewith. 

An appeal from the judgment of Salem Session, in a matter 
between Elizabeth Trimble and Nancy Woodend, was brought 
in and read. The Presbytery, after deliberating on the mat- 
ter, agreed to appoint Messrs. Finley and Power, together 
with John Shields and John Moor, elders, as a commission 
to take up the matter de novo, to meet at the house of John 
Taylor, on the 4th Monday of May next, at 8 o'clock. Mr. 
Hill declared his acceptance of the call from the united con- 
gregations of Fairfield, Donegal, and Wheatfield ; and re- 
turned the call from the united congregations of Mill Creek 
and King's Creek. 

Mr. Hill — to prepare a discourse on Prov. xiii. 31, by our 
next meeting, as part of trial for ordination. Upon enquiry, 
found that congregations were satisfied with the care and dili- 
gence of their respective pastors. 

Mr. Thomas Marquis, (47) having ofi'ered himself to be 
taken on trials, in order to his being licensed to preach the 
gospel, the Presbytery having received sufficient testimonials 
of his having gone through a regular course of literature, of 
his good moral character, and of his being a regular member 
of the cnurch, proceeded to converse with him upon his expe- 
rimental acquaintance with religion, and proposed to him 
several cases of conscience ; and having obtained satisfaction 
on these points, agreed to take him on trials. 

Mr. Marquis — to prepare an Exegesis on the following 
theme, viz.: "An reatus peccati Adami, omnibus ejus poste- 



432 A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF 

ris, natural! generatione ab eo oriundis, imputatur" — by our 
next meeting. Rev. Messrs. John M'Millan, John M'Pher- 
rin, and Samuel Porter, were appointed commissioners to next 
General Assembly. Adjourned to meet at Chartiers the 4th 
Tuesday in June. Concluded with prayer. 

(47) Biographical Sketch of the Rev. Thomas Mar- 
quis. — The Rev. Thomas Marquis was born at Opequon, near 
Winchester, Virginia. Having lost both his parents when a 
child, he was brought up in the family of a pious uncle. In 
the year 1775, he married, and, with a number of his friends, 
removed to the vicinity of Cross Creek, Washington County, 
Pennsylvania ; which was then an almost unbroken wilder- 
ness. Shortly after their arrival, they were called to mourn 
the loss of a brother of Mrs. Marquis — Mr. Park — who, close 
to their own dwelling, was tomahawked and scalped by an 
Indian. For several years the hostile incursions of the In- 
dians obliged the inhabitants to take refuge in forts. While 
thus assembled, through fear of the savages, God's Spirit was 
poured out upon them, and eight or ten persons, of which 
Mr. Marquis was one, were hopefully converted. The prin- 
cipal instrument in this work was a pious farmer, afterwards 
well known in Western Pennsylvania as the Rev. Joseph Pat- 
terson, of Raccoon. Thus, in the midst of their trials their 
hearts were made glad by these tokens of the divine presence. 
During this period, also, in the year 1778, they were favored 
by a visit from the Rev. Dr. Power, who preached to them 
at Fort Vance ; on which occasion, Mr. and Mrs. Marquis 
presented their first child to God in baptism. This was the 
first sermon preached, and the first child baptised, in that 
region of country. The next year a church was organized, 
of which this pious couple became members. Mr. Marquis 
received his classical education at Canonsburg Academy, stu- 
died theology with the Rev. Dr. M'Millan, and was licensed 
to preach the gospel by the Presbytery of Redstone, at Dun- 
lap's Creek, April 19th, 1793. Having received a call to 



THE REV. THOMAS MARQUIS. 433 

the congregation of Cross Creek, within the bounds of the 
Presbytery of Ohio, he became connected with that Presby- 
tery April 23d, 1794 ; and, on the 13th of June following, 
was ordained and installed pastor of the congregation to which 
he had been called. In addition to his labors at Cross Creek, 
he acted as a stated supply one-half of the time at Upper 
Buffalo, until that church called the Rev. John Anderson to 
be their pastor, when his connection with it ceased. He con- 
tinued, however, in the charge of the church of Cross Creek, 
until October 3d, 1826 ; which, from the time of his settle- 
ment as their pastor, included a period of thirty-two years. 
Several precious revivals occurred during his ministry, and 
upwards of four hundred persons were added to the church. 
He died peacefully and triumphantly, on September 27th, 
1827, at the house of his son-in-law, the Rev. Joseph Ste- 
venson, in Bellefontaine, Logan County, Ohio ; whither he 
had gone on a visit to his daughter and her family. He was 
upwards of seventy years of age. All who knew him speak 
of him as an eloquent and impressive preacher. The tones 
of his voice were exceedingly musical. Hence he was often 
called "the silver-tongued Marquis." In the judicatories of 
the church he was esteemed a wise and judicious counsellor. 
Hence, when, in 1804, the General Assembly determined to 
appoint a committee to visit the Synod of Kentucky, and 
endeavor to heal the disorders which had taken place within 
the bounds of that Synod, he was chosen one of the number 
for that purpose. The manner in which the committee exe- 
cuted their commission will be seen by the following resolu- 
tion, passed by the General Assembly at their next meeting, 
in 1805 :— 

" Resolved, that they highly approve the firm and tempe- 
rate measures taken by the Synod of Kentucky and the com- 
missioners of the Assembly that met with them ; and are of 
opinion that the committee, besides the pecuniary indemnity 
assigned them, are entitled to the thanks of the Assembly for 
the diligence, prudence, zeal, and fidelity with which they 
28 



434 A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF 

appear to have executed their commission." He was one of 
the original members of the Board of Trustees of the Western 
Mississippi Society, and for a number of years gave his coun- 
sels and his labors to aid in carrying on its operations.* 

It is not improbable that Mr. Marquis's visit to Kentucky, 
and his influence and efforts while there, contributed mainly 
to save Messrs. Marshall and M'Gready from their further 
wanderings into errors and divisive measures. And they 
were well worth saving ; for they were noble, though, for a 
while, misguided men. It is remarkable that Mr. Marquis 
was received as a candidate for the ministry on the very day 
that his pastor and predecessor died ! 

" I believe," says the Rev. Jacob Lindley, " there is a mis- 
take in Dr. Elliott's Life of Thomas Marquis. He says Mar- 
quis received his classical education at Canonsburg Academy, 
and studied theology with the Rev. Dr. M'Millan. The fact 
in his case is, he never studied the classics. I had this from 
his own mouth. He studied English grammar, a smattering 
of the Latin, and the sciences, at Dr. M'Millan's own house, 
where he repaired, occasionally, to take lessons, while he left 
his farm and family on Cross Creek, in the care of his two 
oldest sons, then but mere lads. He told me, when at his 
house, as an apology for his ignorance of the Greek Testa- 
ment, that, under all his embarrassments and original igno- 
rance, it was but three years from the time he commenced 
his studies with a view to the ministry, until he was licensed 
to preach. He also told me that much of these three years 
was spent with Mr. Smith, as he was more immediately in the 
neighborhood of his farm and family. Marquis was the most 
eminent pulpit orator of his day, because he seemed more 
deeply imbued with the spirit of Mr. Smith." 

It is said that Dr. Ashbel Green, after hearing Mr. Mar- 
quis in his own pulpit, in Philadelphia, was so deeply affected 
by the matter and manner of the discourse, that he resolved 

* Append. Life of Macurdy. 



THE REV. THOMAS MARQUIS. 435 

to abandon his own method, and adopt that of Marquis : with 
what success, we never heard. 

During the great revival of 1802, '3, '4, Mr. Marquis was 
amongst the foremost of those who labored with great success 
in the work. In the space of two or three years, at that 
time, he was honored with an instrumentality in the salvation 
of souls that but few ministers ever enjoy during a long life- 
time. His own pastoral charge at Cross Creek was especially 
favored with a mighty work of the Holy Spirit. In the 9th 
number of the Western Missionary Magazine, p. 329, we read 
as follows : — 

" On the 5th of October, 1802, the day of concert prayer, the 
Lord appeared, by the powerful operation of the Spirit, in 
the congregation of Cross Creek, the charge of the Rev. 
Thomas Marquis. The people were solemn and attentive 
through the day ; and in the evening, when dismissed, they 
appeared backward to go away. After part were gone, and 
many standing about the doors, one of the elders, who was 
in the house, went to the door and spoke a few words respect- 
ing their situation, and in a few minutes the young people 
were all in tears. They then joined in singing a hymn, and 
in prayer. By this time, some of those who had gone away 
returned. They went all again into the house, candles were 
brought, and the night was spent in prayer, conversation, and 
praise, until 2 o'clock in the morning. During this time 
many were much affected. It appeared that the power of 
God, like a mighty wind, filled the house. Numbers sunk 
down and cried out in the anguish of their souls, bitterly 
lamenting their misimprovement of time and abuse of mer- 
cies. They, in a very moving manner, expressed their sense 
of sin and guilt, the hardness of their hearts, and the justice 
of God in passing them by neglected in this their deep dis- 
tress," &c. Then, of the following night, — " It was a night 
to be had in everlasting remembrance, for which, it is hoped, 
many will praise God eternally. At this time, some began 
to speak the language of Canaan with solemn, sweet serenity 
of mind, and in heavenly, heart-affecting accents." 



436 DEATH OF MR. SMITH. 

THIRTY-SEVENTH MEETING. 

CHARTIERS, Tuesday, June 26th, 1792. — Presbytery 
met according to adjournment. Presbytery opened with a 
sermon on John x. 14, by Mr. Patterson. The Presbytery 
found that the Rev. Joseph Smith was removed by death, on 
the 19th of April last. Mr. David Smith, having been de- 
tained from our last meeting by the sickness and death of his 
father, now brought in and read an Exegesis on a theme as- 
signed — sustained. Mr. Hill, having informed Presbytery, 
by letter, that he could not attend our present meeting to de- 
liver the discourse appointed him, is therefore required to 
attend to it at our next. 

The committee appointed to meet on the Appeal from Salem 
Session, reported that they met accordingly, but found that 
they could not proceed, because the witnesses, though cited, 
did not attend ; that, therefore, they had recommended to the 
parties to call the assistance of some of their elders, and en- 
deavor to have the affair accommodated ; which report was 
approved. 

Mr. Smith brought in and read a Homily on the subject 
appointed him at our last winter meeting ; also a Presbyte- 
rial Exercise on Heb. iv. IT ; which, though not appointed 
him by Presbytery, as he was necessarily detained from our 
last meeting, and so had no part of trials given him, yet was 
received as though it had been appointed, and both were sus- 
tained as parts of trial. 

Mr. Marquis — an Exegesis — sustained. Mr. Boyd Mercer, 
"having offered himself," &c., (see previous forms of minutes,) 
taken on trial. The Presbytery, having taken into conside- 
ration a reference from the session of Roundhill^ongregation, 
were of opinion that they had not sufficient evidence to prove 
that John Crawford is the father of Hannah Burney's child ; 
and that said Burney be admitted to give satisfaction in the 
common mode. 

Mr. Marquis and Mr. Mercer examined on Latin and Greek 
languages, and Mr. Smith on Hebf ew — all sustained. Messrs. 



FOUR CALLS FOR MR. SWAN. 487 

M'Millan and Brice— leave of absence. Presbytery renewed 
their order respecting raising funds for the support of mis- 
sionaries agreeably to the plan of the Synod, and ordered 
their members to bear or convey said collections to the Trea- 
surer of the Commission of Synod at the next meeting of 
Synod, Commissioners to the General Assembly fulfilled 
their appointment. 

Mr. Smith — to prepare a lecture on Heb. vi. 1-6. Mr. 
Marquis — a Homily on Rom. viii. 14. Mr. Mercer, an Exe- 
gesis on " An Decreta Dei conditionata vel absoluta sint?" 
The united congregations of Cross Creek and Buffalo, being 
left vacant by Mr. Smith's decease, made application for sup- 
plies. Adjourned to meet at Pigeon Creek the 3d Tuesday 
in October. Concluded with prayer. 

THIRTY-EIGHTH MEETING. 

PIGEON CREEK, Tuesday, October 16th, 1792. Pres- 
bytery met according to adjournment, The Presbytery opened 
with discourses by Messrs. Hill and Smith — subjects previ- 
ously assigned — sustained. 

Four calls — from Mingo Creek and Horse-shoe Bottom; 
from Bethel and Ebenezer ; from Long Run and Sewickly ; 
and from Mill Creek and King's Creek — for Mr. Swan! all 
put into his hands for his consideration. Mr. Swan returned 
the first two calls, and asked longer time about the others. 
(Supplies furnished to almost all the vacancies, by all the 
ministers — two Sabbaths each.) The Presbytery find that, 
agreeably to the order of the General Assembly, Mr. Cooley's 
testimonials were laid before Synod, and that the Synod, 
from the peculiar nature of said testimonials, suspected the 
authenticity of them, and therefore agreed to retain them 
and lay them before the General Assembly next Spring. 
Also, finding that Mr. Cooley has not complied with the order 
of Presbytery respecting letters of recommendation from 
ministers in South Carolina, did not see their way clear to 



430 MR, MARSHALL DISMISSED. 

employ liim any longer until further satisfaction be obtained 
respecting these matters. 

The Presbytery proceeded to consider a reference from the 
Session of Congruity congregation, respecting a certain James 
Christy and Rebecca Gordon. After hearing all the minutes 
of the Session relating to that affair, and duly deliberating 
thereon, Presbytery were unanimously of opinion that no 
credit ought to be given to the oath of Rebecca Gordon, and 
therefore that there is no sufficient evidence to criminate said 
Christy as being the father of said Gordon's child — yet, as 
there appeared to have been unbecoming conduct between the 
above-mentioned parties, Presbytery judged that neither of 
them ought to be received to distinguishing privileges, until 
Providence shall shed further light upon the matter. 

The Presbytery agree to ordain Mr. G. Hill on the second 
Tuesday of November, at Fairfield ; and appointed Mr. Por- 
ter to preach the ordination sermon, and Mr. Power to pre- 
side and give the charge. 

The Treasurer reported that he had received the following 
contributions for the support of missionaries, viz. : from Mr. 
M'Pherrin, £5 2s. ; Mr. Hughes, £3 ; Mr. Dunlap, £5 16s. 
9d. ; Mr. M'Millan, 15s.— in all ^614 13s. 9^.— for which he 
produced the receipt of the Commission of Synod. 

The Presbytery having received a dismission and certifi- 
cate from the Commission of Synod, testifying that Mr. 
Robert Marshall had conducted himself in a becoming man- 
ner, while riding a missionary under their care and direction 
— and also a letter from Mr. M., requesting a dismission from 
Presbytery, to join the Presbytery of Transylvania — agree 
to grant his request, and recommend him as a licentiate in 
good standing. Ordered that the Clerk transmit a copy of 
this minute to Mr. Marshall. (48) 

Upon inquiry, found that a number of the members had 
done something considerable towards raising a fund for the 
education of poor and pious youth, and that it is the design 



SEMINARY STATIONED AT CANONSBURG. 439 

of all the members present to do what thej can in this 
matter. 

Mr. Marquis and Mr. Mercer — discourses — sustained. 

Synod having appointed the second Thursday of November 
to be observed as a day of solemn fasting and prayer, to sup- 
plicate Almighty God to pour out his Holy Spirit upon our 
assemblies, and to revive religion in our churches — also to re- 
turn God humble thanks for the divine influences he has already 
granted to some places in our bounds — Presbytery heartily 
concurred with the appointment, and enjoined it upon the 
churches in their bounds carefully to observe the same. 

The Presbytery granted Mr. Swan's request to retain the ' 
two calls now in his hands till next meeting, and appointed 
him to supply those places till then. 

The Presbytery unanimously agreed to appoint Canons- 
burg to be the seat of that institution of learning, which they 
are appointed by Synod to superintend; and that all the 
young men taken upon the fund for the support of poor and 
pious youths, shall be educated there. 

Messrs. Smith, Marquis and Mercer examined on Moral 
Philosophy — and Marquis and Mercer, at some length, on 
Divinity — all sustained. Mr. Smith to prepare a popular 
sermon on John xv. 12 ; Mr. Marquis — a Presbyterial Exer- 
cise on Galatians iv. 45 ; and Mr. Mercer a Homily on Isaiah 
Ixiv. 6 — all by next meeting. Adjourned to meet at Fair- 
field, second Tuesday of November. Concluded with prayer. 

(48) Biographical Sketch of the Rev. Robert Mar- 
shall. — As this very eminent servant of God, after laboring 
near two-and-a-half years as a licentiate of the Redstone 
Presbytery, now withdraws to another field, and his name 
will appear no more on the minutes, it may be proper to give 
some further account of him. 

" The Rev. Robert Marshall was born in County Down, 
Ireland, November 27th, 1760, and in the twelfth year of 
his age accompanied his family to western Pennsylvania. He 



440 A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF . 

■was a wild boy ; and -when the Revolutionary War broke out, 
enlisted as a private soldier, at the age of sixteen, in opposi- 
tion to the wishes of his mother. Contrary to what might 
have been expected from such a beginning, while in the army 
he never swore nor drank, although drinking and profanity 
were common in the camp, and liquor formed part of the ra- 
tions. When not on duty, he retired to his tent, and devoted 
himself, like Cobbet, to the study of arithmetic and mathe- 
matics. He was in six general engagements, one of which wag 
the hard-fought battle of Monmouth, where he narrowly es- 
caped with his life, a bullet grazing his locks. To the end of 
life, military music had a stirring effect on hira. 

" After the War, he joined the Seceders, and was very self- 
righteous, but, as he afterwards believed, was a stranger to a 
real change of heart. It was under a searching sermon of 
that man of God, Dr. M'Millan, from Romans ix. 22, that he 
who had come to find food for criticism and cavil in a preacher 
of a rival denomination, felt that he was one of ' the vessels 
of wrath fitted for destruction.' His self-possession deserted 
him, his proud head dropped, and he was thrown into a state 
of the deepest anguish. He vainly sought some outward sign 
from heaven of his acceptance, and not receiving any, fell into 
despair. At length he became sensible of the presumption of 
dictating to God the evidences of conversion, and obtained a 
more rational hope. This hope he never afterwards lost, not 
even in his wildest aberrations, and towards the close of life 
it rose to a high degree of assurance. 

"He was now about twenty -three years old — but not de- 
terred by his age, he resolutely commenced preparation for 
the ministry. His academical studies were conducted under 
Mr. Graham, at Liberty Hall ; his theological course under 
Dr. M'Millan, something of whose solemn manner he caught. 
While at Liberty Hall, he maintained an exemplary and con- 
sistent walk among a set of profane and wicked youths, and 
though standing alone, commanded universal respect. After 
being licensed by Redstone Presbytery, he returned to Vir- 



THE EEV. EGBERT MARSHALL. 441 

ginia, and labored in the revival with great zeal and success. 
He was remarkable for his fidelity in visiting and conversing 
upon religion. In 1791, he removed, with his wife, to Ken- 
tucky, in the capacity of a missionary of the Synod ; and on 
the 13th of June, 1793, was ordained pastor of Bethel and 
Blue Spring churches. He also conducted a classical school, 
at which many received their education, who afterwards made 
a very prominent figure in the world. 

"In the great revival of 1800, Mr. Marshall was one of 
the chief leaders ; and carried away by the torrent of enthu- 
siasm that swept over Kentucky, and sincerely believing his 
more sober brethren to be wrong, he joined with Stone, in 
1803, in fomenting the new-light schism. He afterwards saw 
his error, and in 1811 returned to the bosom of the church. 
The schismatics were, at first, called Marshallites ; but, on 
his defection, were known by the name of Stonites. He 
afterwards used to say that he could not ascribe his conduct 
to any other cause than a strange infatuation ; and for years, 
never mounted the pulpit without lamentifig his errors, and 
warning the people against similar delusions. 

" He took an appointment under the Assembly's Standing 
Committee of Missions, in 1812, and was soon after reinstated 
in his old charge of Bethel, where he continued till his de- 
cease, in 1833, at the advanced age of 73." — Davidsons 
History of Presbyterian OhurcJi in Kentucky. 

THIRTY-NINTH MEETING. 

FAIRFIELD, (49) November 14th, 1792.— Presbytery 
met, &c. The Presbytery proceeded to set apart Mr. George 

(49) Fairfield, now in the Presbytery of Blairsville, was early or- 
ganized. After being supplied by the Presbytery for a number of years, 
it at length, in connection with Donegal and Wheatfield, obtained as its 
pastor the Rev. George Hill, who was ordained and installed among 
them, November 13th, 1792. He continued the pastor of this church 
until his death, June 7th, 1822. On the 17th of June, 1824, the Rev. 



442 FAIRFIELD CHURCH. 

Hill to the holy office of the gospel ministry, according to our 
constitution. Mr. Porter preached upon the occasion, and 
Mr. Power presided, and gave the charge. Mr. Hill then 
took his seat as a member. 

Upon motion, it was agreed to reconsider the propriety of 
appointing Canonsburg as the seat of that institution of learn- 
ing, which Presbytery are appointed to superintend — at our 
next spring meeting. 

Mr. Samuel Mahon, formerly a licentiate under the care 
of Carlisle Presbytery, having accepted a call in our bounds, 
professed a desire to be taken under the care of this Presby- 
tery ; and having produced a certificate of his good standing 
as a licentiate, with that body, and a regular dismission from 
them, was accordingly received — appointed to deliver a dis- 
course on John vi. 44, at next meeting, and to supply at 
Pittsburg until that time. 

Mr. Smith — his appointed discourse — sustained. Mr. 
Smith and Mr. Mercer — examined on Natural Philosophy — 
sustained. " The 'Presbytery having received sufficient testi- 
monials,"&c., (see form, &c.,) Mr. David Smith was licensed 
to preach the gospel. (50) Mr. Marquis and Mr. Mercer — 
their appointed discourses — sustained. Mr. Marquis — to pre- 
pare a lecture on Ephesians v. 1-6 — and a sermon on Psalms 
Ix. 1 ; and Mr. Mercer — a Presbyterial Exercise on Hebrews 
x. 1 — and a sermon on Romans v. 12-21 — all by next 
meeting. 

Mr. Swan having requested longer time to determine re- 
specting the calls in his hands — to supply as much as conve- 
nient in those congregations until his mind is determined. 

Samuel Swan was ordained pastor of Fairfield, in connection with Li- 
gonier and Donegal. He continued their pastor for some years, when 
the pastoral relation was dissolved. In 1843, the Rev. John Fleming 
became their pastor for two or three years. In 1847, the Rev. 0. H. 
Miller became the pastor of Fairfield. His successor was the Rev. 
"William Colledge, who has been succeeded by the Rev. Mr. J. W. 
Walker. This church, in connection with Union, reports number of 
communicants, in 1854 — 193. 



SKETCH OF THE REV. DAVID SMITH. 443 

Numerous supplies appointed to Mr. Smith. Adjourned 
to meet at Rehoboth, on third Tuesday of April. Concluded 
with prayer. 

(50) Biographical Sketch of the Rev. David Smith. 
— The Rev. David Smith, the son of the Rev. Joseph Smith, 
inherited the prominent traits of both his parents, and by 
Divine grace was made to resemble them still more. 

He was born, it is believed, in Wilmington, Delaware, in 
1772 ; and was seven or eight years of age when his parents 
entered western Pennsylvania. Even at this early age, his 
father, discovering in him an unusual readiness to learn, put 
a Latin grammar in his hands. At about the age of sixteen, 
there being no academy in the west, he accompanied his 
father to one of the meetings of the Synod of Virginia, and 
was there transferred to the care of Dr. John B. Smith, then 
president of Hampden Sidney College. Under the ministry 
of that distinguished man, it is believed he was hopefully 
converted to God; and soon directed all his studies with a 
view to the gospel ministry. His close application to study 
had nearly broken down a constitution by no means vigorous, 
when by the advice of his friends and his spiritual father he 
took an excursion as a travelling companion with the Rev. 
Dr. Hill, who had been then recently licensed and appointed 
to itinerate for six months in the lower counties of Virginia. 
Dr. Hill, some years before his death, furnished the writer 
with the following notices respecting their journey and the 
subject of this notice. 

" Although he had not commenced his trials for licensure, 
yet as he was near finishing his collegiate course, and had the 
ministry in view, I determined to call upon him occasionally 
to pray and give an exhortation at the close of my sermons 
— as we were not very rigidly bound to church rules and cus- 
toms in those days. We set off upon our itinerations about 
the first of November, 1790. Among my first sermons, at 
an old deserted meeting-house, upon the borders of Powhatan, 



444 A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF 

I called upon him to conclude the services by exhortation and 
prayer. He attempted it, but was most excessively fright- 
ened ; yet made out better than he thought he did. He was 
of a very timid and modest disposition. His fright was so 
great that it was many weeks before I could prevail upon 
him to undertake it again, except to take part in family wor- 
ship. However, he did rally over it before our six months 
were expired. When we arrived at Colonel Gordon's we were 
introduced into a large company of persons, apparently gay 
and fashionable in their dress, and with all the stiff formality 
of worldly etiquette — so different from what we expected from 
the accounts we had received of the piety of Colonel Gordon 
and his family, that a very unfavorable impression was made 
upon both of us ; so that, after we went to bed, Mr. Smith 
very seriously proposed that we should set off next morning 
and leave the place, not believing that any good could be 
done among a people so gay and thoughtless. But we soon 
became convinced, that under all this gaiety and formality, 
so different from what we ever saw before among professors 
of religion — were some of the most pious and devout Chris- 
tians we ever met with. During the six or eight months we 
staid there, we found in his family as comfortable a home as 
we ever had, and a considerable and promising excitement 
upon religious subjects prevailed through the country." Thus 
was this young man trained in part for his work. We doubt 
whether more of this sort of schooling would be of any dis- 
advantage in our day. 

Mr. Smith returned to his college and in due time graduated, 
His diploma is honored with the name of a president whose 
memory ought to be more known and revered than it is. . Dr. 
John B. Smith, the principal instrument of the great revival 
in Virginia, of 1787-89 and 1790, was one of the brightest 
luminaries of our church. 

David Smith, on his return to his father's house, after 
spending the usual time there in his studies for the ministry, 
was licensed to preach the gospel, and in the course of the 



THE EEV. DAVID SMITH. 445 

ensuing year, receiving a call to the united churches of 
George's Creek and the Tent, in Fayette County, was ordained 
and settled there. He soon after married a daughter of the 
Rev. Dr. Power, (his daughter Rebecca, the first child born 
in a minister's family west of the Allegheny mountains, in 
December, 1776.) Mr. Smith labored with great success in 
this his first field, for about four years ; when he removed to 
the Forks of Yough, in Westmoreland County, and took 
charge of the congregations of Rehoboth and Roundhill, then 
vacant by the death of the Rev. James Finley. Here he 
preached till he died. 

His labors were arduous and unsparing. Towards the close 
of his career, his talents as a preacher shone out with great 
power. It was commonly remarked that the mantle of his 
father had fallen upon him. He became also one of the 
editors of the Western Missionary Magazine, and was ap- 
pointed by his Presbytery (of Redstone) as one of the visi- 
tants of their academy at Canonsburg. But he finished his 
work at a still earlier age than his father. A revival of 
religion had commenced in his congregations. He labored 
beyond his strength to meet the increased demand for his 
services. A new brick meeting-house (the first country brick 
house of worship ever built in the West) had been fitted up, 
in an unfinished state for the temporary reception of the 
crowded night meetings. Mr. Smith preached his last sermon 
on Friday night in the month of August, 1803, in this new 
house ; reached home with fever and headache, and ten days 
after his spirit took its flight from earth. His death-bed was 
a scene of the triumph of faith. He received and exhorted 
his elders, and many of his people, as long as his strength 
lasted. He sent for two of the most respectable citizens of 
the county, who had been at variance for some time, reconciled 
them and made them shake hands across his dying bed. His 
weeping people bore his mortal remains to the grave near the 
Church where he preached his last sermon. On his tomb- 
stone are these words : 



446 MR. bark's case. 

" Sacred to the memory of the Rev. David Smith, late 
pastor of the united congregations of Rehoboth and Round- 
hill, who departed this life August 24th, 1803, in the thirty- 
second year of his age. He was a sound divine, a faithful 
pastor and pathetic preacher. The word of God by him dis- 
pensed, will prove to many in this place a savor of life unto 
life, or of death unto death." 

It is said that the unexpected death of this young servant 
of God produced a very wide-felt sensation, and was made in- 
strumental in giving fresh impulse to that greatest of all 
revivals that has ever been in the West. Great expectations 
were entertained of his future eminence. It was at the be- 
ginning of an extensive work of grace, when he had, appa- 
rently, received himself a fresh baptism of the Holy Ghost. 
Most of the ministers around preached sermons to the people 
in reference to it. But he was immortal till his work was 
done. The Rev. Dr. William Wylie, his brother-in-law, suc- 
ceeded him in his pastoral charge. 

FORTIETH MEETING. 

REHOBOTH, April 16th, 1793.— Presbytery met, &c. 
The Presbytery was opened by Messrs. Mahon, Marquis and 
Mercer, with discourses — previously appointed — sustained. 

Messrs. Robert Galbraith and John Wilkins appeared be- 
fore Presbytery, and proposed to produce evidence, in order 
to exculpate themselves from a certain crime which had been 
laid to their charge, and upon the account of which they had 
been laid under censure by the Synod,* viz. : that they had 

* The following extracts — first, from the Report of the Committee of 
Synod in Mr. Barr's case ; and next, from the action of Synod thereon — 
will explain this part of the Records of the Redstone Presbytery, fur- 
nished by Dr, Foote : — 

"The former prosecutors or supporters of the aforesaid charges 
against Mr. Barr before the Presbytery of Redstone, viz. : Messrs. John 
Wilkins, Robert Galbraith, and George Wallace, Senior, being called 
upon collectively and severally, (being present,) entirely declined, and 



MR. bark's case. ' 44T 

confessed themselves to be influenced by fraudulent motives, 
in their prosecution of Mr. Barr : and Presbytery finding that 
they were authorized by Synod to take evidence, and deter- 
mine respecting the propriety of said censure, proceeded to 
hear and examine such witnesses. 

The Rev. James Finley being solemnly called upon to de- 
clare the truth, saith, That being present, he does not remem- 
ber to have heard either Robert Galbraith or John Wilkins 
express anything to the Committee of Synod met at Pitts- 
burg, signifying their design of defrauding Mr. Barr of his 
salary — nor does he think that any such idea, as is expressed 
in the minutes of the Committee of Synod, in which said gen- 
tlemen are represented as having been influenced by a fraudu- 
lent design against Mr. Barr, was held forth by them : that he 
does not remember that said gentlemen were called upon, col- 
lectively or individually, to appear as prosecutors against Mr. 
Barr ; but that the general question being put by the Corn- 
do decline, to have any hand, either collectively or severally, now to 
support these charges against Mr. Barr. The same gentlemen afore- 
said declared before the Committee, that they would never have exhibited 
any charges against Mr. Barr, had they not been afraid, that if Mr. 
Barr left them, without blame, that some arrearages due to Mr. Barr 
would still continue a burden upon the congregation, or, in their own 
words, 'be saddled upon the congregation.' The Committee adjourned 
with prayer." 

Upon this part of the Report of the Committee, the action of the 
Synod was as follows : — 

" Upon a review of the conduct of Mr. Barr's accusers in Pittsburg, 
the Synod are of opinion, that John Wilkins, Robert Galbraith, and 
George "Wallace, Esq., having acted in a manner unbecoming men and 
Christians, in the prosecution of Mr. Barr, as appears from their own 
confession of the motives which prevailed with them to prosecute Mr. 
Barr, and also in deceptions imposed by them upon the Presbytery of 
Redstone, should not enjoy the privileges of the church in our commu- 
nion, until they testify repentance for their unworthy conduct — and 
receive a public rebuke for the same, before the church, by a regular 
minister, who shall be appointed by the Presbytery of Redstone for that 
purpose." 



448 MR. bark's case. 

mittee, " Who will come forward and prosecute Mr. Barr ?" 
they declared their willingness to appear before them in the 
same manner that thej had formerly done before the Presby- 
tery of Redstone. 

, William Dunning being solemnly called upon to declare 
the truth, saith, That being present the whole time that the 
Committee of Synod sat at Pittsburg, on Mr. Barr's affair, 
he did not hear either Mr. Galbraith or Mr. Wilkins express 
any design of defrauding the Rev. Samuel Barr of his salary, 
before said Committee : that neither of said gentlemen were 
present, after the first day that the Committee of Synod sat : 
that said gentlemen were not called upon, collectively or 
severally, to appear as prosecutors against Mr. Barr — but 
that the general question being put, " Who will come forward 
and prosecute Mr. Barr?" they declared their willingness to 
appear before them, in the same manner that they had for- 
merly done before the Presbytery of Redstone. 

The Presbytery, after fully hearing the matter, and ex- 
amining the witnesses that were produced, and from the 
knowledge that they have of the conduct of Messrs. Galbraith 
and Wilkins throughout the whole of this affair — do judge 
that they ought not any longer to be held under censure, as 
it does not appear that they have been guilty of the crimes 
alleged against them. 

Mr. Swan accepted the call to Long Run and Sewickly — 
their Commissioner requested, in behalf of said congregations, 
his ordination, as soon as convenient. 

The congregation of Pittsburg having applied to Presby- 
tery for Mr. Mahon's ordination — the Presbytery, after 
maturely deliberating upon the matter, and finding that our 
Directory requires that ordination and instalment should 
always go together — and Mr. Mahon having declared that 
he is not, as yet, clear for being installed as the pastor of 
that congregation — do judge, that they cannot regularly 
proceed to his ordination at present ; but appoint him to sup- 
ply at Pittsburg as usual. 



MESSRS. MARQUIS AND MERCER LICENSED. 449 

Congregations satisfied with the care and diligence of their 
respective pastors. Mr. Swan — to prepare a discourse on 
Romans iii. 31 — by next meeting — as a part of trial for 
ordination, at which time, if the waj be clear, Mr. M'Millan 
to preach the ordination sermon ; and Mr. Patterson to pre- 
side, and give the charge. 

The Presbytery proceeded to a reconsideration of the pro- 
priety of appointing Canonsburg the seat of the seminary of 
learning, which they are appointed to superintend; and agreed 
to confirm their former minute respecting Canonsburg 
Academy, with the following addition, viz. : that if it should 
appear, at a future day, most conducive to the good of the 
church, that another seminary of the like nature should be 
erected in our bounds, we will not oppose a division of the 
funds. 

Upon inquiry it appeared that the members of Presbytery 
have made considerable progress in raising contributions, to 
be put into the fund, for the education of poor and pious 
youths for the gospel ministry. 

Mr. Mercer — a Presbyterial Exercise — sustained. Mr. 
Marquis — examined on Natural Philosophy — sustained. Mr. 
Mercer and Mr. Marquis — examined on Divinity — sustained. 

" The Presbytery having received sufficient testimonials," 
&c., (see form,) Messrs. Marquis and Mercer were licensed to 
preach the gospel, and supplies over almost the entire field 
assigned to them. 

Agreeably to a recommendation of the General Assembly, 
Presbytery proceeded to consider whether it would be proper 
to extend the time to be spent by young men, in the study of 
Divinity to three years, at least, before they be taken on 
trials for the ministry, and unanimously agreed that it would 
not be proper — and at the same time declared their entire 
satisfaction with the constitution of our church on that head. 

The Rev. Messrs. James Power, Jacob Jennings and James 
Hughes were appointed Commissioners to the next General 
Assembly. 
29 



450 HISTORY OF LONG RUN AND SEWICLKY. 

The Presbytery agreed to request Synod, at their next 
meeting, to erect the Rev. John Clark, John M'Millan, Thad- 
deus Dod, Joseph Patterson, James Hughes and John Brice, 
together with the churches on the west side of the Mononga- 
hela, into a separate Presbytery, to be known by the name 
of the Presbytery of Ohio. Adjourned to meet at Long Run, 
on the third Tuesday of October. Concluded with prayer. 

FORTY-FIRST MfiETING. 

LONG RUN, (51) October 15th, 1793.— Presbytery met, 
&c. The Presbytery find that the Rev. Thaddeus Dod was 

(51) Long Run was organized nearly, if not quite, as early as the 
Presbytery of Eedstone. It remained vacant, and -was supplied by the 
Presbytery for several years, till, in 1793, it united with Sewickly in 
calling the Rev. William Swan to become their pastor, who was ordained 
and installed in that office October IGth of that year. He continued 
their pastor till October 18th, 1818, when he resigned this united charge 
— but in the following summer was again installed pastor of Long Run 
alone, and continued in this relation, till, at his request, it was dis- 
solved April 17th, 1822. The church continued vacant till April 20th, 
1825, when the Rev. A. M'Candless was ordained and installed pastor 
of Long Run and M'Keesport united. This relation continued till 
April 8th, 1845, when Mr. M'Candless resigned this charge. He was 
succeeded by the Rev. William D. Moore, who was ordained and in- 
stalled pastor of Long Run in June, 1845. In September, 1849, this 
congregation again became vacant, when, for a short time, the Rev. Mr. 
Shermer became their pastor, in 1851. In the ensuing year, the Rev. 
John A. Mearne accepted a call, and was ordained and installed their 
pastor, on the 19th of October, 1852. Number of communicants re- 
ported, in 1854 — 195. 

This church has seen more prosperous days, especially in 1804, and 
for some years afterwards, when the arm of the Lord was made bare for 
the salvation of multitudes. Like most of the early churches, it has 
been a nursery, whence not only many have been transplanted to 
heaven — but many, also, have gone out to strengthen new churches in 
the West. This is an honor which the Lord has conferred upon many 
of our early churches, and it ought to cheer and revive them, and 
" strengthen the things that are ready to die." 

As this congregation was long united with Sewickly, we will briefly 



HISTORY OF LONG RUN AND SEWICKLY. 451 

removed by death, on the 20tli of May last. Presbytery was 
opened by Mr. YvHIiam Swan — sermon from Romans iii. 31 
— sustained, as part of trials for ordination. 

sketch the history of the latter also. Sewickly is supposed to have been 
organized by the Rev. Dr. Power, as early as 1776. He continued the 
pastor, in connection with Mount Pleasant, till August 22d, 1787, when 
he resigned the pastoral charge of Sewickly, which continued vacant 
until, in union with Long Run, it became the pastoral charge of the 
Rev. William Swan, October 16th, 1793,* as above stated. It again be- 
came vacant October 18th, 1818. During the previous time, especially 
in 1804, both the churches were visited with a remarkable revival of 
religion, of which we have spoken above. In January, 1821, the con- 
gregation having united with Mount Pleasant, presented a call to the 
Rev. A. 0. Patterson, D.D., who was ordained and installed at Sewickly, 
Ai^ril 18th, 1821. Dr. Patterson was dismissed October 8th, 1834. 

These churches having dissolved their connection, from a persuasion 
that each of them was now able to support a pastor — Sewickly, in 
April, 1836, gave a call to the Rev. William Annan, -sVho was installed 
their pastor in June following. From the weak and debilitated state of 
his health, Mr. Annan was compelled to resign this pastoral charge in 
April, 1838. In December, 1839, the Rev. J. B. M'Kee was installed 
pastor, and continued till April, 1842. After a short period, the Rev. 
Richard Graham became the pastor, and continued till 1850. In 1852, 

* The following is a copy of ^e subscription paper in Sewickly, for the support 
of Mr. Swan, and may serve as a sample of many others before and after: 

"We^ the subscribers, members of Sewickly congregation, do separately bind 
ourselves to pay, annually, the sums annexed to our names respectively, unto the 
Rev. William Swan, in consideration of our receiving one-half of his stated la- 
bors, during his continuance as minister of the gospel in this congregation. One- 
half of our subscription to be paid in cash, and the other half in produce, at the 
following rates, viz. : — Wheat at four shillings per bushel, rye at three shillings 
per bushel, and corn at two shillings and sixpence per bushel — to be delivered 
at such place or places, within the bounds of the congregation, as said minister, or 
a treasurer chosen by the people, may appoint. Witness our hands, this 17th day 
of August, 1792." — Becords, p. 73. 

We have seen a somewhat similar subscription paper of the congregation of 
Fairfield, dated March 14th, 1789, the close of which is in these words : 

" Said subscription to be paid in the following manner, viz. : either in money 
or grain, at the following rates : — Wheat at four shillings the bushel, rye or corn 
at two shillings and sixpence per bushel — said sums to become due quarterly, 
and paid accordingly, if required, into the hands of any person or persons who 
ehall be appointed by said congregation to receive the same. And said sums to 
be sued for as lawful debts, if payment neglected." 



452 MR, MOORE, A LICENTIATE, RECEIVED. 

Two calls to Mr. David Smith — from George's Creek and 
Union, and from Buffalo — put into his hands for his con- 
sideration. Three calls to Mr. Marquis — from Cross Creek, 
from Ebenezer and Bethel on Blue Lick, and from Ten-mile 
— put into his hands for his consideration. A call to Mr. 
Mercer from Mingo Creek and Horse-shoe — transmitted to 
him through the hands of Mr. M'Millan, he being absent. 

Mr. Swan was ordained. " The Presbytery did, by fasting 
and prayer, with the imposition of the hands of Presbytery," 
set him apart to the holy office of the gospel ministry. Mr. 
M'Millan preached on the occasion, from Isaiah Ixii. 6, 7, 
and presided — and Mr. Finley gave the charge. Mr. S. 
then took his seat as a member. 

Mr. Moore, a licentiate under the care of the Bristol As^- 
ciation of Massachusetts, being present, and expressing a de- 
sire to itinerate for some time in our bounds ; upon his pro- 
ducing sufficient testimonials of his regular licensure and good 
standing in the church, the Presbytery agreed to employ him, 
and accordingly appointed him as supply over a large portion 
of their vacancies, which are mentioned. Messrs. Smith and 
Marquis, also — the former sent as far as Tygart's Valley, 
Middletown, (now Fairmount,) and Harrison County — all in 
Virginia. 

An appeal from the judgment of the Session of Bethel was 
laid before Presbytery, wherein David Tidball stands con- 
victed of incestuous conduct. The Presbytery, after hearing 
the testimony which was before the Session, and after ma- 
turely deliberating upon the matter, are of opinion, that, on 

the Rev. Cyrus Riggs, the present pastor, received and accepted a call 
and was installed soon after. 

Some years ago, the congregation of West Newton applied for and 
obtained a separate organization. This, though, perhaps, a wise and 
necessary measure, has greatly weakened Sewickly, which had already 
suffered much from emigration. It still struggles on, however, to sus- 
tain the ordinances of the gospel, and it is hoped will yet see more pros- 
perous days, and the return of those gracious seasons of which their 
fathers have told them. 



A REFERENCE FROM UNITY. 453 

account of the apparent prejudices of the witnesses, and other 
concurring circumstances, the testimony was not sufficient to 
ground that judgment upon — and therefore agree that said 
judgment be set aside. 

The Treasurer reported that he had received as follows — for 
support of Missionaries. 

£ s d * £ s d 

From Dunlap's Creek.... 3 8 2 From Monteur's 2 

" Muddy Creek 2 15 9 " Kaccoon 2 7 

" Bethel 2 9 6 " Unity and Salem... 4 16 11 

" Pigeon Creek ......4 3 " Mount Pleasant .. .4 

" Chartiers 3 16 3 " Laurel Hill 3 15 

Total, £33 lis Id. 

For the payment of which to the commissioners of Synod he 
produced their receipt. 

The Presbytery find that Mr. Cooly's credentials have been 
laid before the General Assembly at their last meeting, and 
were judged by them to be forged, and consequently that he 
ought not to be received as a minister in good standing with 
their body. 

A reference from the session of Unity, respecting a charge 
exhibited before that session by Charles M 'Right holding forth 
that a certain Hugh Bean had acted contrary to an oath 
taken by him, to abide by the verdict of men in a case referred 
to them by said Bean and M'Right, and also that Hugh Bean 
had said that Charles M'Right had acknowledged himself to 
be the father of Hugh Bean's daughter's child, which acknow- 
ledgment Charles M'Right denies. And having attended to 
the testimony produced, and taken all the light which they 
could obtain, are of opinion that Hugh Bean cannot be ad- 
mitted to distinguishing privileges in our church, until he 
acknowledge his wrong in swearing to abide by the judgment 
of arbitrators, not knowing but that that judgment might 
involve him in sin, and for his not using every means in his 
power to fulfil the obligations of said oath. 

The Presbytery are also of opinion that the testimony pro- 



454 MR. MAHON DISMISSED. 

duced by Hugh Bean has exculpated him so far of the fact 
alleged against him in the latter charge, that they do not 
think him liable to any censure upon the account thereof. 
The Presbytery ordered Mr. M'Pherrin to read this judgment 
publicly in the congregation, upon Hugh Bean's compliance 
therewith. Dr. Lindley and Moses Coe — leave of absence. 
James Christy C8«ne before Presbytery, and requested a recon- 
sideration of a former judgment of Presbytery whereby he 
looks upon himself to be aggrieved. The Presbytery agreed 
to reconsider said judgment at their next meeting. Mr. Ma- 
hon, having made application for ordination, and having pro- 
fessed a ■willingness to be installed as pastor of Pittsburg con- 
gregation. Presbytery proceeded, agreeably to our constitu- 
tion, to converse with him upon his acquaintance with 
experimental religion, and proposed to him several cases of 
conscience ; but did not receive such satisfaction as would 
induce them to proceed to his ordination at present. But if 
at any other time he shall think himself able to give further 
light upon these matters, Presbytery shall be ready to receive 
it. Mr, S. Mahon requested to be dismissed, and his request 
was granted. Robert Dickey having given oflfence to the ses- 
sion of Unity congregation by going to hear a certain Mr. 
Dun, a preacher of immoral character, and said session and 
Robert Dickey having different sentiments concerning the satis- 
faction to be given for said offence, both parties appeared 
before Presbytery, and submitted the whole affair to their 
decision. Presbytery, having heard the parties, and taken 
all the light which they could obtain, are of opinion that Ro- 
bert Dickey acted imprudently in going to hear Mr. Dun, and 
that he ought to acknowledge his fault in so doing before he 
is admitted to the distinguishing privileges of the church. 
Ordered that the above judgment be read in the presence of 
Unity congregation, in case of Robert Dickey's compliance 
therewith. 

Mr. Power appointed Treasurer of Redstone Presbytery. 
The Presbytery were informed, by Mr. John Baird, that 



. PRESBYTERY DIVIDED. 455 

Mount Pleasant congregation had arranged with Mr. Power 
for all his time as their pastor ; they promising yearly a salary 
of ^120 from 1st of August, 1792. Mr. M'Pherrin chosen 
Stated Clerk. Synod having appointed the 2d Thursday in 
November to be a day of solemn fasting and prayer through- 
out their churches, to supplicate Almighty God to pour out 
his holy Spirit on our assemblies and revive religion in our 
land. Presbytery agreed to ratify the appointment of Synod, 
and recommend the careful observance of the day in the man- 
ner specified by Synod to all the congregations under their 
care. 

The Presbytery agreed that the candidates under their 
care shall have liberty to declare their acceptance of any of 
the calls now in their hands before either of the Presbyte- 
ries of Ohio or Redstone ; and further appoint Messrs. James 
Finley and James Power, or either of them, to furnish any 
of the candidates with a dismission, should they apply ; and 
that Mr. Mercer shall have his appointments made out by the 
Presbytery of Ohio, if he thinks fit, until our next spring 
meeting. Presbytery, finding that the Synod, at their last 
meeting, did erect the Rev. Messrs. John Clark, John M'Mil- 
lan, Joseph Patterson, James Hughes, and John Brice, into 
a separate Presbytery, to be known by the name of the Pres- 
bytery of Ohio, they are therefore dismissed^ from this Pres- 
bytery. Presbytery adjourned to meet at Mount Pleasant 
the 4th Tuesday of December next. Concluded with prayer. 

Thus ended the Old Presbytery of Redstone. 



APPENDIX 

TO THE RECORDS. 



There are some things that, perhaps, may not be -without interest, 
which we have gathered from the Records, and which may be distinctly 
noticed hei'e. 

1. The ruling elders whose names appear in the minutes were from 
all parts of the wide bounds of the Presbjtery. They were generally 
a noble set of men. The following is a list of their names ; the figure 
attached denoting the number of times they represented their churches 
in the Presbytery : — 

James Edgar, 9. Patrick Scott, G. Patrick M'Cullough, 6. John 
Shields, 6. James Dinsmore, 5. Joseph Coe, 5. James Brice, 5. Wil- 
liam M'Comb, 4. Hugh Scott, 4. John Neil, 4, Demas Lindley, 4. 
William Smilie, 4. John Allen, 4. Thomas Bracken, 3. Samuel Fin- 
ley, 3. John Griffin, 3. John Baird, 3. Edward Cook, 2. John 
Power, 2. John Parker, 2. Andrew Frazer, 2, James Kirkpatrick, 2. 
Thomas Marquis, 2. John Cowan, 2. John M'Dowell, 2. Daniel 
Extell, 2. John ferry, 2. Josiah Scott, 2. William M'Farland, 2. 
George Shields, 2. ^neas M'Allister, 2. Jacob Cook, 2. Alexander 
M'Clure, 2. Samuel M'Clure, 2. James Erwin, 2. .John Jack, 2. 
John Moore, 2. William Waddel, 2. John Gaston, William Wight- 
man, Daniel Reeder, John Thompson, John Wright, Thomas Wilson, 
John Fulton, Joseph Pierce, John Johnston, John Shanon, Joseph 
Vance, Moses Latta, George Marquis, James Bradford, John Rob, Hugh 
Morton, Samuel Sorels, Robert Adams, John Hopkins, Stephen Cook, 
James Wilson, William Steel, James Wilkin, Robert M'Comb, Samuel 
Hollidy, James Ewing, John Vance, James Barr, Josejjh Caldwell, 
William M'Candless, James Findley, AVilliam Sloan, James M'Claiu, 
Alexander M'Candless, John Guthrie, Alexander Wright, James M'Kee, 
Samuel Riddel, James Pair, Thomas Hall, John Hamilton, William 
Gordon, John Steel, John M'Pherrin, Thomas Marshal, Alexander 
Bailv, William Brown, Thomas Armstrong, Peter Wallace, Robert 

(456) 



APPENDIX TO THE RECORDS. 457 

Moore, James Allison, Joseph Thorn, John Danaughy, George M'Cul- 
lough, Joseph Price, John Travers, Daniel Henricks, each of them, 1, 

2. A list of the Exegeses given by the Presbytery till 1793 : — 
James Hughes — An sit originale peccatum ? 

John Brice — An mortuorum resurrectio erit ? 

Joseph Patterson — Whether miracles are evidence of a divine mission ; 
and what miracles do prove such mission? 

John M' Gready—Au sit concursus Dei cum omnibus Hominum actio- 
nibus ? 

John M'Pherrin — Num Christus, qua Mediator, adorandus sit ? 

Samuel Porter — An lapsus Adami, omnibus ejus posteris, naturali 
generatione ab eo oriundis imputatur ? 

Bobert Marshall — An constat fidei essentia in persuasione, quod re- 
missa nobis peccata, et nostrum Christus sit? 

George ^ill — Quid sit discrimen inter foedera gratise et operum ? 

Mr. HaAna — In quo constat essentia fidei salvivica ? 

William Swan — An gratia convertens sit irresistibilis ? 

David Smith — Quomodo miracula probant Scripturas sacras esse 
divinas? 

Thomas Marquis — An reatus peccati Adami omnibus suis posteris, 
naturali generatione ab eo oriundis, imputatur ? 

Boyd Mercer — An decreta Dei conditionata, vel absoluta, sint ? 

3. Messrs. Hughes and Brice , vrere licensed April 16th, 1788; 
M'Gready and Patterson, Aug. 13th, 1788 ; Mr. M'Pherrin, August 20th, 
1789 ; Mr. Porter, November 12th, 1789 ; Mr. Marshall, April 23d, 1790 ; 
Messrs. ^w-an and Hill, December 22d, 1791 ; Mr. D. Smith, November 
14th, r/92 ; Messrs. Marquis and Mercer, April 19th, 1793. 

4. The follovping is a list of the places for vrhich supplies were fur- 
nished. A few of them soon disappear from the minutes, either be- 
cause they obtained settled pastors, or were merged into other places. 
Some of them do not appear till towards the close of the old Presby- 
tery. "We give them in the order of time in which they are found on 
the Records : — 

" Rehoboth, Roundhill, Tyrone, Muddy Creek, Ohio Court-House, 
George's Creek, South Fork of Ten-Mile, Short Creek, Unity, Robinson's 
Run, Sewickly, Pittsburg, Long Run, Three Springs, Parkinson's Mill, 
Bullock Pens, Pike Run, Jackson's Fort, Donegal, Brush Run, Mon- 
teur's Run, Three Ridges, Turtle Creek, Mill Creek, Beaver Dam, 
King's Creek, Forks of Cheat, Forks of Wheeling, Potatoe Garden, 
Mingo Creek, Poke Run, Horse-shoe Bottom, Lower Buffalo, Fairfield, 
Sandy Creek, Salem, Bethel on Blacklick, Ebenezer on Blacklick, Mor- 
gantown. Crab Orchardj Raccoon, White Thorn, Washington, Duniap's 



458 APPENDIX TO THE .RECORDS. 

Creek, (always •written Delap's Creek,) Ebenezer on Puckety, Ran- 
dolph, Patterson's Creek, Hollidy's Cove, Mouth of Raccoon, Clarks- 
burg, Middletown, Puckety, Campbell's Tent, Stony Creek, Stonecoal 
Fork, Tygart's Valley." These places are found over a vast range of 
country. Several of them are no longer known by their old names. 

5. One peculiarity in regard to the old Records is, that there is no 
account of Sessional Records or Statistical Reports. The truth is, that 
in general, no records were kept. Session-books were, with hardly an 
exception, not to be found. In some cases, Sessions appear to have 
made some minutes and taken testimony in judicial proceedings; but 
they have generally been lost or destroyed. And, for want of statisti- 
cal Reports, it is difficult to ascertain the number of communicants in 
the several churches when they were organised, and for many years 
after. 

6. The judicial cases which came before the old Presbytery appear 
to have been eleven in all; viz.: (1) The charges of John Matson 
against the Rev. James Dunlap — 2d meeting. (2) Robert Hall's com- 
plaint against session of Mount Pleasant — 4th and 19th meetings. (3) 
Henry Taylor's appeal from session of Chartiers in respect to promis- 
cuous dancing — 5th, 9th, and 12th meetings. (4) A reference from the 
session of Dunlap's Creek in the case of Armstrong Porter — 14th meet- 
ing. (5) The case of George Latimer and Deborah Ross ; Mount Plea- 
sant session — 15th meeting. (6) The case of John Coleman — not issued 
— 19th meeting. (7) An appeal of Hugh Stirling from session of Bethel 
— 21st meeting. (8) Mr. Barr's case and that of the session of Pitts- 
burg — 25th meeting. (9) A reference from session of Lebanon, in the 
case of John Barnet — 31st meeting. (10) A reference from the Session 
of Congruity, in the case of James Christy and Rebecca Gordon — 38th 
meeting. (11) A reference from session of Unity, in the case of Robert 
Dicky — 41st meeting. The several judges appear to us to evince great 
deliberation, wisdom, and discrimination. "We recommend them as 
models. There seems to be a parental kindness and tenderness, min- 
gled with just severity, where it was necessary. They seem never to 
have forgotten that discipline is for edification, and not destruction. It 
was not in the summary style of our times ; when the decision often is 
" sustained or not sustained," or " sustained in part." Great injustice 
may be done in this hasty way. Let us return to "the good old 
paths." 

7. The congregations in Western Pennsylvania, it is believed, were 
much assisted in their efforts to erect houses of worship, by their breth- 
ren east of the mountains. It cannot now be ascertained to what 
extent this aid was received. The proper vouchers are, perhaps, almost 



APPENDIX TO THE JlECORDS. 459 

entirely lost. So little now is known on this subject, that many igno- 
rantly suppose that our forefathers neither sought nor received such 
aid : and when called upon now to assist, by their contributions, the 
noble Church Extension enterprise of our day, close their hearts and 
their hands against all such appeals, by referring to the way they sup- 
pose our early settlers got along ; and ask, in a tone that shows they 
regard the question as settling the point, " Why cannot people now do 
as our fathers did?" It would not be difficult to answer the question, 
were the facts of the case as they assume. But it turns out by a few 
isolated cases, that have been accidentally preserved from oblivion, that 
it is highly probable most of our early churches were assisted by their 
eastern friends in this very work. 

For instance, from the Records, in the case of Mr. Barr, it is evident 
that he had collected a considerable sum of money in New York and 
Philadelphia, to aid the congregation of Pittsburg in the erection of 
their second house of worship. 

And the following copy of a receipt, found on a blank leaf of an old 
skeleton of one of Mr. Smith's sermons, will show that the people of 
Cross Creek and Upper Buffalo received similar aid : — 

"October, 17th, 1783. — Received of Mr. Smith, ten pounds, fifteen 
shillings, of the money which he collected in Philadelphia, for the use 
of erecting houses of worship in these congregations — I say, received 
by me. WM. SMILEY." 

Is it not highly probable that all the other ministers made similar 
collections, to aid their people? It may be impossible now to find any 
similar receipt, like the above. But we have not a doubt, that if all 
the cases could be known, our people, in view of their own early his- 
tory, would be left without all excuse — as to contributing liberally to 
aid our new, struggling Western churches. 

These remarks are, perhaps, equally applicable to the churches east 
of the mountains, and in the Cumberland Valley and Valley of Vir- 
ginia. And if we go back to a still earlier period, were not most of our 
oldest congregations in Philadelphia, New-Jersey, Delaware, and Mary- 
land, assisted by contributions from Scotland and Ireland ? This whole 
subject merits further investigation; and if the results would furnish 
fresh incentives to the liberality of our churches towards that most 
neglected department of religious benevolence, they would amply 
reward the labor of such investigation. 






i 



i>o 






Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. 
Neutralizing agent; Magnesium Oxide 
Treatment Date: IVIay 2006 

PreservationTechnologies 

A WORLD LEADER IN PAPER PRESERVATION 
1 1 1 Thomson Park Drive 
Cranberry Township. PA 16066 
(724)779-2)11 







m 



m 



'M 



a'^ii'l 







'mwm 






iiiiii 



